Structure-dependent luminescence properties of Eu3+-doped CsBPO4 (B = Mg, Zn)

•New phosphors of Eu3+-doped CsMgPO4 and CsZnPO4 were developed.•Two phosphors present different luminescence due to the microstructure of Eu3+ ions.•CsMgPO4:Eu3+ and CsZnPO4:Eu3+ have quantum efficiencies of 39 and 47%, respectively.•The red-luminescence of the phosphors is superior to commercial Y2O2S:Eu3+.

Eu3+-doped monophosphate CsBPO4 (B = Mg, Zn) was synthesized by conventional solid state reaction. The crystal phase formations and morphology of the phosphates were analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements, respectively. The luminescence properties, including the photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, decay curve (lifetime), the color coordinates and the internal quantum efficiency were investigated. Two Eu3+-doped monophosphates display very distinct luminescence properties. CsMgPO4:Eu3+ presents the dominant reddish-orange emission from magnetic dipole transition 5D0 → 7F1 and a long luminescence lifetime. In contrast, CsZnPO4:Eu3+ has a pure red color with the dominant induced electric-dipole transition 5D0 → 7F2 and a fast decay. Different results on the luminescence features of CsBPO4 (B = Mg, Zn):Eu3+ were discussed on the base of crystal structure. Eu3+ has structure-dependent transitions due to the special microstructure occupied in a given host.

Graphical abstractEu3+ has structure-dependent transitions due to the special microstructure occupied in a given host. The different surroundings of Eu3+ ions in CsMgPO4 and CsZnPO4 induce the different luminescence properties. CsMgPO4:Eu3+ presents the dominant reddish-orange emission from 5D0 → 7F1 and a long luminescence lifetime. In contrast, CsZnPO4:Eu3+ has a pure red color with the dominant 5D0 → 7F2 and a fast decay.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide