Spectroscopic properties of Na(Sr,Ba)VO4:Eu3+ novel red-emitting phosphors for solid state lighting applications

Eu3+-activated novel alkaline earth metal (Sr and Ba) vanadate phosphors, Na(Sr0.97-x,Ba-x)VO4:Eu-0.03(3+) (x = 0-0.97) have been successfully synthesized using solid state reaction method and characterized through structure, morphology, elemental analysis, luminescence (excitation, emission and CIE coordinate) and decay rate properties as a function of Ba ion concentration. Phosphors show a broad excitation band (monitored for D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition of Eu3+) in the 230-430 nm wavelength regions which make them highly suitable for GaN-based LED chips. These phosphors can be efficiently excited by near UV light and exhibit a dominant red emission at 613 nm (D-5(0) -> F-7(2)). The decay lifetime and color coordinates were evaluated for Na(Sr,Ba)VO4:Eu3+ phosphors. Hence, these phosphors could be a potential candidate for light emitting diodes and display applications. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.