Luminescence in Li₃ Al ₂ (PO₄)₃ :Eu(2+).

A series of efficient Li₃ Al ₂ (PO₄)₃ :Eu(2+) novel phosphors were synthesized by the facile combustion method. The effects of dopant on the luminescence behavior of Li₃ Al ₂ (PO₄)₃ phosphor were also investigated. The phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope and photoluminescence techniques. The result shows that all samples can be excited efficiently by near-ultraviolet excitation under 310 nm. The emission was observed for Li₃ Al ₂ (PO₄)₃ :Eu(2+) phosphor at 425 nm, which corresponded to the d → f transition. The concentration quenching of Eu(2+) was observed in Li₃ Al ₂ (PO₄)₃ :Eu(2+) when the Eu concentration was at 0.5 mol%. The prepared powders exhibited intense blue emission at the 425 nm owing to the Eu(2+) ion by Hg-free excitation at 310 nm (i.e., solid-state lighting excitation). Consequently, the availability of such a phosphor will significantly help in the development of blue-emitting solid-state lighting applications.