Green light emission by Ce3+ and Tb3+ co-doped Sr3MgSi2O8 phosphors for potential application in ultraviolet whitelight-emitting diodes

Sr3MgSi2O8:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphor samples were prepared using a solid-state reaction technique, and the photoluminescence properties and energy transfer were investigated. Effective energy transfer occurred in Ce3+/Tb3+ co-doped Sr3MgSi2O8 phosphors. Co-doping of Ce3+ was found to enhance the emission intensity of Tb3+ to a certain extent by transferring energy to Tb3+. The Ce3+/Tb3+ energy transfer was thoroughly investigated through its emission/excitation spectra and photoluminescence decay behavior. The color emitted by Sr3MgSi2O8:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors varied from blue to green and can be controlled by altering the concentration ratio of Ce3+ to Tb3+. These results indicate that Sr3MgSi2O8:Ce3+, Tb3+ may be useful as a green-emitting phosphor for ultraviolet whitelight-emitting diodes.

► Sr3MgSi2O8:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors were firstly reported.
► The luminous properties and energy transfer were discussed.
► With Ce3+ co-doping, the fluorescence lifetime of Tb3+ greatly enhanced.
► Sr3MgSi2O8:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors may be useful for UV white-light-emitting diodes.