Photoluminescence properties of a new orange–red emitting Sm3+-doped Y2Mo4O15 phosphor

Abstract A series of novel Y 2 Mo 4 O 15 : x Sm 3+ ( (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) phosphors for white light-emitting (W-LEDs) were successfully prepared by the solid state reaction technology at 973 K for 12 h. X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectra were utilized to characterize the structure and luminescence properties of the as-synthesized phosphors. The emission spectra of the Y 2 Mo 4 O 15 :Sm 3+ phosphors consisted of some sharp emission peaks of Sm 3+ ions centered at 565 nm, 605 nm, 650 nm, and 712 nm. The strongest one is located at 605 nm due to 4 G 5/2 – 6 H 7/2 transition of Sm 3+ , generating bright orange–red light. The optimum dopant concentration of Sm 3+ ions in Y 2 Mo 4 O 15 : x Sm 3+ is around 5 mol% and the critical transfer distance of Sm 3+ is calculated as 23.32 A. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of the Y 2 Mo 4 O 15 :0.05Sm 3+ phosphors were located in the orange reddish region. The Y 2 Mo 4 O 15 :Sm 3+ phosphors may be potentially used as red phosphors for white light-emitting diodes.