Concentration and temperature quenching mechanisms of Dy3+ luminescence in BaGd2ZnO5 phosphors

BaGd2ZnO5:Dy3+ phosphors were synthesized by a traditional solid-state reaction. The crystal structure of the phosphors was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The blue emission (456 nm) corresponding to 4H15/2→6H15/2 transition was observed at higher sample temperatures, and the population mechanism of 4H15/2 level was assigned to the thermal excitation of 4F9/2 level. The fluorescence concentration quenching of 4F9/2 level was studied based on Van Uitert's model, and that the electric dipole–dipole interaction was confirmed to be the responsible mechanism for the energy transfer between Dy3+ ions. Finally, the fluorescence thermal quenching of 4F9/2 level was studied, and the crossover effect was found to be the main physical mechanism for the fluorescence temperature quenching of Dy3+.

► BaGd2ZnO5:Dy3+ phosphors were synthesized by a traditional solid-state reaction.
► Energy transfer between Dy3+ ions was confirmed to be electric dipole–dipole interaction.
► The thermal excitation luminescence of 4I15/2 level was observed.
► Crossover effect is the main mechanism for fluorescence temperature quenching of Dy3+.