Improved Eu3+ red-emitting by charge compensation in Sr0.3Ca0.7(MoO4)2: xDy3+, yEu3+ phosphors

In this study, Sr0.3Ca0.7(MoO4)2:xDy3+, yEu3+ phosphors with and without charge compensation were produced using the coprecipitation method. Their crystal structure, luminescence performances, charge compensation, fluorescence lifetime, thermal extinguishing behavior as well as energy transfer mechanism were explored in detail. The X-ray diffraction patterns show that the appropriate amount of Dy3+/Eu3+ single and co-doped in the lattice has no obvious influence on the crystal structure. The luminescence results showed that Sr0.3Ca0.55(MoO4)2: 0.1Eu3+ with charge compensation exhibited luminescence intensity 4.98 times higher than that of Sr0.3Ca0.6(MoO4)2: 0.1Eu3+ non-charge compensation. The luminescence intensity of Dy3+/Eu3+ co-doped Sr0.3Ca0.7(MoO4)2 phosphors was significantly improved by charge compensation. Furthermore, efficient energy transfer from Dy3+ → Eu3+ was confirmed by emission spectra, excitation spectra, attenuation curves, and thermal quenching curves. This suggests that the charge compensation could significantly improve the Eu3+ red emission. Therefore, the investigated SrCa(MoO4)2: Eu3+, Dy3+ phosphors may be a favorable candidate for promising applications in lighting. •Dy3+ and Eu3+ singly and co-doped Sr0.3Ca0.7(MoO4)2 phosphors for lighting are studied.•The photoluminescence intensity of the samples was obviously enhanced by charge compensation.•Energy transfer mechanism from Dy3+ to Eu3+ in Sr0.3Ca0.68-y(MoO4)2: 0.02Dy3+, yEu3+ phosphors were given.•The Sr0.3Ca0.53(MoO4)2: 0.02Dy3+, 0.15Eu3+ phosphors with and/or charge compensation exhibited excellent thermal stability.