Synthesis, Structure, and Photoluminescence Properties of Ce³⁺-Doped Ca₂YZr₂Al₃O₁₂: A Novel Garnet Phosphor for White LEDs

Abstract

A novel garnet phosphor Ca2YZr2Al3O12:Ce3+ (CYZA:Ce3+) has been successfully designed and synthesized via the solid state method. The crystal structure, morphology, as well as their photoluminescence properties were investigated in detail. Under near-ultraviolet (n-UV) excitation, CYZA:Ce3+ exhibits cyan to green emission with the maxima from 484 to 503 nm when varying the Ce3+ concentration. The internal quantum efficiency of the optimal sample is 56%. The concentration quenching of Ce3+ emission occurs via the energy transfer among the nearest-neighbor ions. The thermal stability is superior compared with the Ba2SiO4:Eu2+ commercial phosphor. These results suggest that CYZA:Ce3+ can be considered as a potential candidate for white LEDs.