Dual valence Eu-doped phospho-alumino-silicate glass-ceramics containing Ba3AlO3PO4 nanocrystals for W-LEDs

Abstract

Novel dual valence Eu-doped phospho-alumino-silicate glass-ceramics containing orthorhombic Ba₃AlO₃PO₄ nanocrystals were first fabricated by a traditional melt-quenching method and subsequent heat-treatment in an air atmosphere. Their structural and luminescent properties were systemically investigated by XRD, TEM analysis, and spectroscopic and fluorescence lifetime measurements. The incorporation of Eu³⁺ into Ba₃AlO₃PO₄ crystallites and the reduction mechanism of Eu³⁺ to Eu²⁺ were also discussed based on the optical analyses. Simultaneously, perfect white light emission was obtained under 325 nm excitation. An improved anti-thermal quenching property was achieved resulting from the successful enrichment of Eu³⁺ and Eu²⁺ into Ba₃AlO₃PO₄ crystallites, which was evidenced by active energy calculation. Our results indicate that these dual valence Eu-doped transparent Ba₃AlO₃PO₄ glass-ceramics may have potential applications in W-LEDs.