VUV–vis photoluminescence of GdAl3(BO3)4:Eu3+ and energy transfer from Gd3+ to Eu3+

GdAl3(BO3)4:Eu3+ red-emitting phosphors were prepared by evaporation of nitrates and H3BO3 solution and then calcination at 1423 K. The excitation and emission spectra of undoped GdAl3(BO3)4 and Eu3+-doped GdAl3(BO3)4:Eu3+ phosphors in VUV–vis spectral range were investigated, showing that GdAl3(BO3)4:Eu3+ phosphors have better CIE chromaticity coordinates in comparison with the commercial phosphor (Y,Gd)BO3:Eu3+ (YGB). The energy transfer between Gd3+ and Eu3+ in Gd1−xEuxAl3(BO3)4 phosphors is discussed based on the luminescence spectra and the decay curves, demonstrating that the energy transfer of Eu3+ → Gd3+ is inefficient but that of Gd3+ → Eu3+ is efficient and the Gd3+ → Eu3+ energy transfer efficiency increases with the increasing of Eu3+ concentration.

► The luminescence spectra of undoped GdAl3(BO3)4 and Eu3+-doped GdAl3(BO3)4:Eu3+ in the VUV–vis range and the luminescence decays were investigated.
► The excitation spectra of GdAl3(BO3)4:Eu3+ demonstrated that Eu3+ cannot transfer energy to Gd3+.
► The emission spectra and decay curves revealed that Gd3+ → Eu3+ energy transfer efficiency increases with the increasing of Eu3+ concentration.