Microwave assisted co-precipitation synthesis and photoluminescence characterization of spherical Sr2P2O7:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors

A novel spherical green phosphor, Sr2P2O7:Ce3+, Tb3+ was prepared by co-precipitation method using a microwave heating system. The synthesis was performed at 1000 °C for 15 min. The phase structure, morphology, photoluminescence properties and thermal stability were investigated. The photoluminescence intensity of green emission from Tb3+ was enhanced remarkably by co-doping Ce3+ in the Tb3+ solely doped Sr2P2O7 phosphor because of energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+ ions. The novel phosphors have excellent thermal stability and remarkable CIE chromaticity coordinates of (0.258, 0.605), indicating its potential application of green emitting phosphor in lighting field. The microwave-assisted co-precipitation method was found to be simple, rapid and advantageous in achieving the required stoichiometry and homogeneity of precursor materials in comparison with the conventional solid state reaction route.