Sensitized red luminescence from Mn2+-doped Olgite-type phosphates

Bright red luminescence is observed from Mn2+-doped olgite-type Na2BaMgP2O8 with the aid of Eu2+ or Ce3+ sensitizer. Under ultraviolet (UV) light, Na2BaMgP2O8: Eu2+ and Na2BaMgP2O8: Ce3+ exhibit intense near-UV emissions derived from 5d–4f electron transition. Since their emission bands have substantial spectral overlap with the excitation bands of Mn2+ in Na2BaMgP2O8, Mn2+ emission is successfully sensitized by resonance energy transfer. Detailed spectral consideration has revealed that Eu2+ and Ce3+ occupying interlayer A-site mainly contribute to the enhancement of the Mn2+ emission. - Graphical abstract: Olgite-type red emitting phosphors, Na2BaMgP2O8: Eu2+, Mn2+ and Na2BaMgP2O8: Ce3+, Mn2+, were prepared by solid state reaction. Under UV excitation, Mn2+-derived red emission was observed from them only when Eu2+ or Ce3+ ions were codoped as sensitizers, indicating that the red emission was enhanced by resonant energy transfer from the sensitizer to Mn2+. Highlights: ► Olgite-type phosphate red phosphors were prepared by solid state reaction. ► Emission properties of Ce3+ doped in Na2BaMgP2O8 were investigated. ► Emission properties of Mn2+ doped in Na2BaMgP2O8 were investigated. ► Crystallographic site occupied by Ce3+ and Mn2+ ions were spectroscopically identified. ► Energy transfer between Eu2+ or Ce3+ and Mn2+ was investigated for Na2BaMgP2O8-based phosphors.