Photoluminescence properties of Y5Si3O12N:Ce3+ blue-emitting phosphors for white LED

Blue oxonitridosilicate phosphors with compositions of (Y1−xCex)5Si3O12N (x = 0–0.1) have been synthesized. The structures, photoluminescence properties and the relations between the structure and luminescence have been investigated and discussed. The atomic positions and the lattice parameters of Y5Si3O12N were acquired. Y atoms occupy two crystallographic sites (Y(1) and Y(2)) in the structure. Ce3+ ions were substituted for Y3+ ions and two types of photoluminescence centers (Ce(1)3+ and Ce(2)3+) have been formed. The excitation and emission processes of Ce(1)3+ and Ce(2)3+ photoluminescence centers were identified and studied. The concentration- and temperature-dependent properties of these Y5Si3O12N:Ce3+ phosphors were investigated. This study shows these blue Y5Si3O12N:Ce3+ phosphors the potential applications in the three-RGB phosphor-converted white LEDs.

Yttrium occupies two crystallographic sites (Y(1) and Y(2)) in the crystal structure of Y5Si3O12N. The two sites are coordinated with 6 and 9 O/N atoms. The average bond lengths of the two sites are 2.51 and 2.62 Å, correspondingly. Two Ce3+ photoluminescence centers are formed when the doped Ce3+ ions are substituted with Y3+ ions in the lattice. The excitation and emission processes of the Ce3+ photoluminescence centers are illustrated in the right figure.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Acquire the crystal structure of the Y5Si3O12N compound with the Rietveld refinement technique.
► The concentration-dependent and temperature-dependent luminescence properties of these Ce3+ doping Y5Si3O12N phosphors were investigated.
► The relations between the crystal structure and the luminescence properties were discussed.