Phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes in the marine environment: current status and future trends

Abstract

The exploitation and utilization of resources in marine environments have ignited a demand for advanced illumination and optical communication technologies. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), heralded as “green lighting sources”, offer a compelling solution to the technical challenges of marine exploration due to their inherent advantages. Among the myriad of LED technologies, phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (pc-LEDs) have emerged as frontrunners in marine applications. At the heart of pc-LEDs lie phosphor materials, colour-converters that orchestrate the emission of light. In the marine environment, blue-green light with a wavelength of 440–570 nm exhibits the deepest penetration depth, while other wavelengths are rapidly attenuated in the shallow layer. Additionally, specific wavelengths of light are crucial for particular applications. However, the moist marine environment as well as the demand for continuous and stable lighting pose a formidable challenge to the environmental stability of the phosphors. Therefore, developing blue-green phosphors with exceptional colour purity and high thermal and moisture stability is paramount for marine applications. Herein, this review delves into the application of LED and pc-LED technology in underwater optical communication and marine fishery, exploring the development strategies of phosphors tailored for the marine environment. The insights presented serve as a valuable reference for further research on phosphors and pc-LED devices.