Solid state reaction preparation of an efficient rare-earth free deep-red Ca2YNbO6:Mn4+ phosphor

Light is the major energy source for plants. In this regard, deep-red light can best drive photosynthetic metabolism and is beneficial for plant growth and development. Herein, an efficient rare-earth free Mn4+-doped Ca2YNbO6 phosphor was successfully prepared through the conventional high-temperature solid state reaction in air atmosphere, and the crystal structure and luminescence properties were investigated in detail. The phosphor is confirmed to crystallize into the double-perovskite structure corresponding to the monoclinic system with space group P21/c. Upon 355 ​nm excitation, the phosphor exhibits bright deep-red emission band in the range of 630–750 ​nm with a maximum of 680 ​nm attributed to the 2Eg→4A2g transition of Mn4+. The optimal doping concentration of Mn4+ is 0.4 ​mol%. The CIE color coordinates are (0.717, 0.283) and the internal quantum efficiency is 23.1%, which indicates that the Ca2YNbO6:Mn4+ is a promising deep-red phosphor for the plant cultivation lighting field. [Display omitted] •A new Mn4+-doped Ca2YNbO6 phosphor with double-perovskite structure was prepared.•The phosphor exhibits bright deep-red band emission as excited with near UV light.•The Mn4+ doping concentration of the phosphor is optimized to 0.4 ​mol%.•The deep-red phosphor is promising for the use of plant cultivation lighting field.