Luminescence of (Ca,Sr)3(VO4)2: Pr3+, Eu3+ phosphor for use in CuPc-based solar cells and white light-emitting diodes

► Substitution of 3% Sr2+ replacing Ca2+ enhanced red emission intensity of Ca2.82(VO4)2:0.12Eu3+ by 14% under 465 nm by excitation. ► Addition of 0.6 mol% Pr3+ enhanced blue excitation intensity of (Ca0.97Sr0.03)2.82(VO4)2:0.12Eu3+, located in the weakest absorption of CuPc, by 126%. ► According to absorption measurements of CuPc/optimized (Ca0.9668Sr0.03)2.82(VO4)2:0.006Pr3+, 0.12Eu3+ mixtures for the first time, the feasibility of our phosphor to assist CuPc in converting blue-wavelength photons was proved. ► High temperature stability of emission intensity and chromaticity of (Ca0.9668Sr0.03)2.82(VO4)2:0.006Pr3+, 0.12Eu3+ indicated our phosphor is acceptable for WLED applications.