Enhanced luminescence of Ba3Si6O9N4:Eu2+ phosphors by codoping with Ce3+, Mn2+, and Dy3+ ions

A novel phosphor Ba3Si6O9N4 doped with Eu and M (M=Ce3+, Mn2+ and Dy3+) has been synthesized by a solid state reaction at 1350 °C for 6 h under 90%N2/10%H2 atmosphere. It could be efficiently excited by UV–blue light (280–500 nm) and showed a single intense broadband emission (470–625 nm). Suitable excitation range make it match well with the emission of near-UV LEDs or blue LEDs. It was found that the luminescence intensity of the Ba3Si6O9N4:Eu2+ phosphors can be efficiently enhanced by codoping with M. The addition of M in Ba3Si6O9N4:Eu2+ remarkably enhances the luminescent intensity by the factor of 198%, 166% and 188% for Ce3+, Mn2+ and Dy3+, respectively. The Ba3Si6O9N4:Eu2+ phosphor has potential application as a phosphor for white light-emitting diodes.