Observation of efficient energy transfer from host to rare-earth ions in KBaY(BO3)2:Tb3+ phosphor for plasma display panel

Undoped and Tb3+-doped borates KBaY(BO3)2 phosphors were synthesized through the conventional high-temperature solid state method and their photoluminescence properties under vacuum ultraviolet excitation were evaluated. Upon 172 nm excitation, KBaY(BO3)2 exhibits an intrinsic broad ultraviolet emission centered at 328 nm attributed to the BO33- group. When Tb3+ was introduced into KBaY(BO3)2, an efficient energy transfer from the host to Tb3+ was observed which had been well proved by spectra and decay time. The optimal sample of KBaY(BO3)2:0.1Tb3+ shows a stronger absorption at 172 nm, a comparable brightness and a shorter decay time compared with those of the commercial Zn2SiO4:Mn2+. These results demonstrate that KBaY(BO3)2:0.1Tb3+ could be a promising green-emitting phosphor for three-dimensional plasma display panel.

► KBYB exhibits an intrinsic broad UV emission under 172 nm excitation.
► Energy transfer from host to Tb3+ in KBYB is studied in detail.
► The host-Tb3+ ET can be proved by PL spectra and decay time.
► KBYB:Tb3+ shows good luminescence properties under VUV excitation.
► KBYB:Tb3+could be used as a potential candidate for PDPs.