Enhanced photoluminescence properties and energy transfer in a novel Eu3+ doped PbSmB7O13 red-emitting phosphor

A series of PbSm1-xB7O13:xEu3+ phosphors were synthesized by the high temperature solid-state reaction method. The phase composition, morphology, luminescent properties and energy transfer of as-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray power diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectra (PL). The results show that the maximum emission peak excited under 400 nm was observed at about 614 nm owing to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+ ions. The intensity of the main emission line (5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+) was effectively strengthened because of the energy transfer from Sm3+ to Eu3+ in the Sm3+ and Eu3+ co-doped system. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of PbSm0.2B7O13:0.8Eu3+ are calculated to be (0.6842, 0.3213), which correspond to red emission and are closer to the standard red color coordinates. This study indicates that PbSm1-xB7O13:xEu3+ phosphors could be efficiently excited by near-UV chips for potential application in W-LEDs.