Thermally stable luminescence and energy transfer in Ce3+, Mn2+ doped Sr2Mg(BO3)2 phosphor

Sr2Mg(BO3)2:Ce3+,Li+ and Sr2Mg(BO3)2:Ce3+,Li+,Mn2+ phosphors have been synthesized by conventional solid state reaction technology at 900 °C for 12 h in reducing atmosphere. The phase purity, photoluminescence (PL) properties, thermal stability, energy transfer and luminescent decay curves have been investigated. Sr2Mg(BO3)2:Ce3+,Li+,Mn2+ phosphors show blue and deep-red1 emission bands. The deep-red emission band is attributed to the energy transfer from Ce3+ to Mn2+. The fluorescence lifetimes of Ce3+ in co-doped sample are shorter than that in single doped one, which confirms that the energy transfer takes place. The phosphors have weak thermal quenching. The luminescence properties of Sr2Mg(BO3)2:Ce3+,Li+,Mn2+ make the phosphor a new bicolor emitting material.

► The PL properties of Ce3+, Mn2+ co-doped Sr2Mg(BO3)2 phosphors have been studied.
► The fluorescence lifetimes analysis of Ce3+ confirms the energy transfer taking place.
► The phosphor has small thermal quenching, and is a new bicolor emitting material.