Broadband NaK2Li[Li3SiO4]4:Ce Alkali Lithosilicate Blue Phosphors

J Phys Chem Lett. 2020 Aug 20;11(16):6621-6625. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c02064. Epub 2020 Aug 4.

Abstract

Phosphors with a rigid and symmetrical structure are urgently needed. The alkali lithosilicate family (A[Li3SiO4]) has been extensively studied with a narrow emission band due to its unique cuboid-coordinated environment and rigid structure. However, here we demonstrate for the first time Ce-doped NaK2Li[Li3SiO4]4 phosphors with a broad emission band, a high internal quantum efficiency (85.6%), and excellent thermal stability. Photoluminescence indicates the Ce's preference to occupy the Na+ site, leading to a strong blue color emission with peak maxima at 417 and 450 nm. Temperature- and pressure-dependent photoluminescence reveals thermal stability and a phase transition. Moreover, the X-ray absorption near-edge structure reveals the mixing of Ce3+ and Ce4+ in the materials; this result differs from that of Eu2+-doped A[Li3SiO4] phosphors. The charge compensation process is then proposed to explain this difference. This study not only provides insights into Ce-doped UCr4C4-type phosphors but also explains the charge compensation mechanism of the aliovalent doping process.