A novel phosphor of Eu3+-activated Na3GaF6: Synthesis, structure, and luminescence properties

A series of novel Na3Ga(1-x)F6:xEu3+(x = 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 10%) phosphors were synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis method. The crystal structure and luminescence properties of Na3GaF6:Eu3+ were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescent excitation spectra (PLE) as well as decay curves. The results indicated that Eu3+ can replace Ga3+ in the lattice of Na3GaF6 without any impurity. The micro-particle of the phosphor was uniform and regular with a smooth surface. Upon 395 nm excitation, the phosphors show intense reddish-orange color including a series of narrow peaks attributed to the typical f-f transition of Eu3+. Not like most of other rare-earth doped sample, the Na3GaF6:Eu3+ phosphors show obvious anti-thermal quenching behavior. All the results demonstrated that Na3GaF6:Eu3+ phosphors exhibit good luminescent properties and might have a potential to applications in lighting technology.