Enhancement of luminescence properties of Zn(W–Mo)O4:Eu3+ red phosphors by co-doped charge compensators A+(Li+, Na+, K+)

Abstract Using a convenient high-temperature solid-state method, a novel Zn(W–Mo)O4 red phosphor co-doped with alkaline metal ions and Eu3+ was successfully synthesized. The effects of doping with one charge-compensating agent and mixed multiple charge-compensating agents on the phase composition, crystal structure, crystallinity and luminescence properties of phosphors were studied. Using a theoretical study, the crystal environment around the Eu3+ ion was analysed and the internal quantum yield was calculated. The charge-compensating agent decreases the non-radiative transition by reducing the Zn defect in the phosphor and simultaneously changes the crystal environment around the Eu3+ ions. The enhancement of luminescence intensity of phosphors by co-doping with different charge-compensating agent ions is consistent with single doping. The luminescence intensity was increased 82.64% by doping with a charge-compensating agent, and the colour purity increased to 90.36%, indicating that the Zn(W–Mo)O4:Eu3+ red phosphor can be used as a potential candidate material in white-light-emitting diodes.