Enhanced luminescence properties in (Sr{sub 1−x}Ba{sub x}){sub 2.97}SiO{sub 3}N{sub 4/3}:0.03Eu{sup 2+} oxynitride phosphor

An oxynitride phosphor (Sr{sub 1−x}Ba{sub x}){sub 2.97}SiO{sub 3}N{sub 4/3}:0.03Eu{sup 2+} (SBSON) was synthesized by the solid-state reaction at 1550 °C for 4 h. XRD results show that the major phase of the synthesized phosphors is isostructural with Sr{sub 3}SiO{sub 5} when the content of Ba{sup 2+} is not greater than 0.5. Through the doping of Ba{sup 2+} ions, the particle morphology, luminescence intensities and thermal stability are all improved obviously. When the x equals 0.5 the luminescence intensity reaches maximum which is about 1.48 times as that of the phosphor free of Ba{sup 2+}. The emission peaks can be tuned from 583 nm to 601 nm by adjusting Ba{sup 2+} content. The doping of Ba{sup 2+} can also prolong the average lifetime from 1482 to 2122 ns. With high emission intensity and thermal stability, this novel oxynitride phosphor SBSON shows potential application in white LEDs. - Graphical abstract: Through the change of micro-structure by doping Ba{sup 2+} ions proved by the XRD patterns, (Sr{sub 1−x}Ba{sub x}){sub 2.97}SiO{sub 3}N{sub 4/3}:0.03Eu{sup 2+}phosphor eventually achieves the extension of lifetime and the improvement of luminescence properties and thermal stability. - Highlights: • (Sr{sub 1−x}Ba{sub x}){sub 2.97}SiO{sub 3}N{sub 4/3}:0.03Eu phosphors were prepared by the solid-state reaction. • The synthesized phosphor (x≤0.5) is isostructural with Sr{sub 3}SiO{sub 5}. • The emission peaks red shift to 601 nm then slightly blue shift by adding Ba{sup 2+}. • The emission intensity and thermal stability are both enhanced. • Fluorescent lifetime can be prolonged by doping Ba{sup 2+}.