Simple synthesis, adjusting luminescence colour and white light emission of Ln3+:CeF3 (Ln = Tm, Tb, Eu) phosphors

CeF 3 :RE 3+ (Tm, Tb, Eu) phosphors were successfully prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method at low temperature. Crystal structure, morphology and luminescent properties of samples were studied. With the increase of Eu 3+ doping concentration, the red and green intensity ratio increases, realizing the emission colour from green to red adjustment. The luminescence properties of CeF 3 :RE 3+ (Tm, Tb, Eu) phosphors were investigated and suggested an obvious energy transfer process of Ce 3+ →Tb 3+ →Eu 3+ . The obtained CeF 3 :Tm 3+ , Tb 3+ and Eu 3+ tri-doped phosphors present an intense white light emission under excitation of 361 nm, thus being potentially useful as phosphors for white light-emitting diode purposes.