Synthesis, luminescence properties and energy transfer behavior of color-tunable KAlP2O7: Tb3+, Eu3+ phosphors

A new multicolor-emitting Tb 3+ -Eu 3+ codoped KAlP 2 O 7 (KAPO) phosphor was synthesized by solid-state reaction under the air atmosphere. The synthesis, morphology, luminescence properties , energy transfer mechanisms and thermal stability of the synthesized phosphor were systematically investigated. The codoped phosphor exhibited the characteristic emission of Eu 3+ at 612 nm ( 5 D 0 - 7 F 2 ) and Tb 3+ at 544 nm ( 5 D 4 - 7 F 5 ). Under ultraviolet (UV) excitation, KAPO: Tb 3+ , Eu 3+ shows tunable emission from green-yellow to red with increasing of Eu 3+ concentration due to efficient Tb 3+ -Eu 3+ energy transfer. Based on the decay curves, the energy transfer from Tb 3+ to Eu 3+ was classified to be of dipole-dipole interaction resonant type with energy transfer efficiency of ~97%. The excellent luminescent properties and remarkable thermal stabilities suggested that KAPO: Tb 3+ , Eu 3+ is a promising UV-converting material for the fields of lighting and displays.