Enhanced luminescence and abnormal thermal quenching behaviour investigation of BaHfSi3O9:Eu2+ blue phosphor co-doped with La3+–Sc3+ ion pairs

Abstract

An emission and thermal stability enhanced blue emitting phosphor BaHfSi₃O₉:Eu²⁺ co-doped with La³⁺–Sc³⁺ ion pairs was successfully synthesized. The phase purity and characteristic luminescent properties were investigated in detail. The results indicate that BaHfSi₃O₉:Eu²⁺ co-doped with La³⁺–Sc³⁺ ion pairs phosphor has strong excitation around 405 nm and can exhibit blue emission centered at 476 nm. The emission intensity of BaHfSi₃O₉:Eu²⁺ can be gradually enhanced via introducing La³⁺ and Sc³⁺ ions and the mechanism is studied. Meanwhile, the improved thermal stability can be realized. A possible principle is proposed by the simplified energy level diagram and is further proved through the thermoluminescence curve analysis and the time-waited temperature dependent emission spectra measurement.