Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13):Bi(3+), Eu(3+) nanophosphors have been prepared by a facile sol-gel method. The products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence measurements. The results show that the nanophosphors are of single phase hexagonal Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13) with size-distribution of 50-90 nm in diameter. White-light emission has been obtained from Bi(3+) and Eu(3+) co-doped Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13) nanophosphors upon excitation of 350 nm ultraviolet light. It is noted that Bi(3+) ions can occupy two different Y(3+) sites and generate different emissions from the (3)p(1) --> (1)s(0) transition. Warm white light has been obtained from Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13):Bi(3+), Eu(3+) nanophosphors according to Commission International de I'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates and color temperature (T(c)) with appropriately adjusted contents of Bi(3+) and Eu(3+). The results indicate that Y(4)MgSi(3)O(13):0.08Bi(3+), 0.04Eu(3+) (x = 0.31, y = 0.31, T(c) = 6907 K) are potential nanophosphors for white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) applications.
Bismuth Europium