Preparation and luminescent properties of Eu2+ doped Sr3La(PO4)3 phosphor

Research highlights: → The M3Ln(PO4)3 (M = alkali-earth element or Pb; Ln = rare earth, Bi or transition metal) compounds have been considered to be efficient host materials for phosphor, laser and plasma display panels. → No paper has been published on the preparation of divalent rare earth ions activated Sr3La(PO4)3 phosphors. → Eu2+ ions occupy two different Sr2+ sites in Sr3La(PO4)3 lattice and form two kinds of luminescent centers. As the Eu2+ doping concentration increasing, it likely to form purple emission centers and emits blue light. - Abstract: Eu2+-doped Sr3La(PO4)3 phosphors were synthesized by solid-state reaction method. Their luminescent properties were investigated. The phosphor could be excited by ultraviolet light effectively. The emission spectra exhibit two emission peaks located at 418 nm and 500 nm, respectively. These two peaks originated from two different luminescent centers, respectively. One is nine-coordinated Eu(I) center, other is six-coordinated Eu(II) center. It was found that the doping concentration of Eu2+ ions affected the shape of emission spectra. As the doping concentration increasing, Eu2+ ions are more likely to form Eu(I) luminescent centers and emit purple light.