Enhanced novel orange red emission in Ca3(PO4)2:Sm3+ by charge compensation

• β-Ca3(PO4)2: Sm3+ phosphors were synthesized.
• Li+, Na+, K+ and Si4 on the luminescent properties of phosphors were investigated.
• β-Ca2.97(PO4)2: Sm3+ phosphors exhibit great potential in wLEDs.

Sm3+ doped β-Ca3(PO4)2 without or with different charge compensation approaches (co-doping Li+, Na+, K+ and Si4+) were prepared by solid state reaction. The phases and luminescent properties of the obtained phosphors were characterized. The results demonstrate that the phosphors particles emit an intensive reddish orange light under excitation at 403 nm. Ca3−x(PO4)2:xSm3+ phosphor can be efficiently excited by ultraviolet and blue light, and the emission spectrum consists of three emission peaks at 564, 601 and 647 nm. By introducing the charge compensator R+ (R=Li, Na, and K) and Si4+ into the Ca3−x(PO4)2:xSm3+ phosphor, its emission intensity can be enhanced. The results suggest that Ca2.97(P0.985Si0.015O4)2:0.03Sm3+ is a promising orange red-emitting phosphor for UV LED applications.