Photoluminescence characteristics of Sm³⁺ doped Sr₂P₂O₇ as new orange-red emitting phosphor

A series of Sr₂P₂O₇: Sm³⁺ phosphors and Sr₂P₂O₇: Sm³⁺ doped with different charge compensator (co-doping Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) phosphors were prepared by the high temperature solid-state reaction process at 1100 °C in air. The phase structure, photoluminescence properties and thermal stability were of the as prepared powders were investigated. Sr_2-xP₂O₇: xSm³⁺ phosphors can be efficiently emitted an orange-red luminescence under ultraviolet and blue light irradiation due to ⁴G_5/2-⁶H_7/2 transition of Sm³⁺. The emission spectrum with three emission peaks is located at 562, 600 and 641 nm. The emission intensity can be enhanced by introducing the charge compensator R⁺ (R = Li, Na, K) into Sr₂P₂O₇: Sm³⁺ phosphors. The results indicate that Sr_2-xP₂O₇: xSm³⁺ is a promising orange red-emitting phosphor that can be used in the LED's and other optical devices in the visible region. - Highlights: • Sr_2-xP₂O₇: xSm³⁺ hosts were synthesized via high temperature solid-state reaction process. • The emission intensity can be enhanced by introducing the charge compensator R⁺ (R = Li, Na, K). • The luminescence properties and thermal stability suggest it is a good novel red emitting phosphor