Enhanced photoluminescence properties and energy transfer in a novel Eu³⁺ doped PbSmB₇O₁₃ red-emitting phosphor

A series of PbSm_1-xB₇O₁₃:xEu³⁺ phosphors were synthesized by the high temperature solid-state reaction method. The phase composition, morphology, luminescent properties and energy transfer of as-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray power diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectra (PL). The results show that the maximum emission peak excited under 400 nm was observed at about 614 nm owing to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺ ions. The intensity of the main emission line (⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺) was effectively strengthened because of the energy transfer from Sm³⁺ to Eu³⁺ in the Sm³⁺ and Eu³⁺ co-doped system. The CIE chromaticity coordinates of PbSm_0.2B₇O₁₃:0.8Eu³⁺ are calculated to be (0.6842, 0.3213), which correspond to red emission and are closer to the standard red color coordinates. This study indicates that PbSm_1-xB₇O₁₃:xEu³⁺ phosphors could be efficiently excited by near-UV chips for potential application in W-LEDs.