Host-sensitized phosphorescence of Mn4+, Pr3+,4+ and Nd3+ in MgAl2Si2O8

Highlights: ► The new red phosphors were synthesized in the MgAl2Si2O8 system. ► These systems were characterized with DTA/TG, XRD, SEM and PL. ► The excitation and emission mechanisms were explained. -- Abstract: Mn4+ doped and Pr3+,4+, Nd3+ co-doped MgAl2Si2O8-based phosphors were first of all synthesized about 1300 °C. They were characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The luminescence mechanism of the phosphors, which showed broad red emission bands in the range of 610–715 nm and had a different maximum intensity when activated by UV illumination, was discussed. Such a red emission can be attributed to the intrinsic d–d transitions of Mn4+.