Luminescence properties of Bi3+/Sm3+ co-doped K3Gd5(PO4)6 phosphors for self-referencing optical thermometry†
Abstract
Potassium gadolinium phosphates [K3Gd5(PO4)6] co-doped with Bi3+/Sm3+ phosphors were prepared by traditional solid-state method. Their structure, morphology, luminescence properties, energy transfer, temperature sensing performance and thermal stability have been systematically investigated. The emission and excitation spectra, as well as decay curves were recorded to study the luminescence mechanism. By co-doping Bi3+/Sm3+, white emission color can be obtained. In addition, the emission intensity ratios of Bi3+ and Sm3+ ions present excellent temperature sensing performance in a wide temperature range. The maximum relative sensitivities of K3Gd5(PO4)6 doped with Bi3+/Sm3+ can reach to 3.13% K−1. In addition, K3Gd5(PO4)6:Bi3+,Sm3+ phosphors exhibit high thermal stability of about 55.3% at 423 K compared to room temperature.