Synthesis, spectral and surface investigation of NaSrBO3: Sm3+ phosphor for full color down conversion in LEDs

► Suitability of present phosphors as a down conversion phosphor to fill the “yellow gap” has been explored. ► Special attention was given to check its utility to fill the 590-600 nm region (amber range). ► X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to study the surface properties. ► A special analytical technique TOF-SIMS was used for studying the doping distribution. ► The images suggested a uniform distribution of the Sm3+ ions in the NaSrBO3.