Low temperature quenching and high efficiency Tm3+, La3+ or Tb3+ co-doped CaSc2O4:Ce3+ phosphors for light-emitting diodes

Low temperature quenching and high efficiency CaSc2O4:Ce3+ (CSO:Ce3+) phosphors co-doped with Tm3+, La3+ and Tb3+ ions were prepared by a solid state method and the phase-forming, morphology, luminescence and application properties of these phosphors were investigated. The results showed that co-doping of Tm3+, La3+ and Tb3+ ions can improve the luminescence properties and decrease temperature quenching of CSO:Ce3+ phosphor remarkably. High efficiency green-light-emitting diodes were fabricated with the prepared phosphors and InGaN blue-emitting (∼460 nm) chips. The good performances of the green-light-emitting LEDs made from co-doped CSO:Ce3+ phosphors confirm the luminescence enhancement and indicate that Tm3+, La3+ and Tb3+ co-doped CSO:Ce3+ phosphors are suitable candidates for the fabrication of high efficiency white LEDs.

► Tm3+, La3+, Tb3+-co-doped Ca2Sc2O4:Ce3+ phosphors were prepared by a solid state method. ► Co-doping of Tm3+, La3+ and Tb3+ can decrease the temperature quenching of the Ca2Sc2O4:Ce3+ phosphor remarkably. ► Fabrication of green LEDs, indicating that Tm3+, La3+ and Tb3+-co-doped Ca2Sc2O4:Ce3+ phosphors are suitable candidates for white LEDs.