Synthesis of a New Red Long Persistent Phosphor Sr2ZnSi2O7: Eu3+, Lu3+ via Sol–Gel Method and Investigation of its Luminescence
A novel red long persistent phosphor of Sr2ZnSi2O7: Eu3+, Lu3+ was successfully synthesized with sol–gel method. Its properties were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD), luminescence, afterglow decay curves and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. The red phosphor showed one emission peak at 616.9nm, which is attributed to the typical 5D0–7F2 transition of Eu3+ ions as luminescent centers in Sr2ZnSi2O7 host. Lu3+ as a sensitized ion played an important role in enhancing the long afterglow performance of Sr2ZnSi2O7: Eu3+, Lu3+. Under UV light irradiation, this phosphor showed obvious red long-lasting phosphorescence that can be clearly seen with naked eyes in a dark room for over 20s after the irradiation source has been removed. Thermoluminescence (TL) measurement showed that Lu3+ co-dopan can reduce the trap depth of the title phosphor to obtain suitable ones.