A series of Eu(2+)-, Sm(3+)- and Eu(2+)/Sm(3+)-doped SrZn2(PO4)2 samples were synthesized using a solid-state reaction. SrZn2(PO4)2:Eu(2+) presented a broad emission band due to 4f(6) 5d-4f(7) transition of the Eu(2+) ion. The spectra of SrZn2(PO4)2:Sm sintered in air and H2 /N2 were identical in every aspect, except for a very small difference in intensity. A Eu(2+)- Sm(3+) energy transfer scheme was proposed to realize the sensitization of Sm(3+) ion emission by Eu(2+) ions, and UV-convertible Sm(3+)-activated red phosphor was obtained in SrZn2(PO4)2:Eu(2+), Sm(3+).
Keywords: luminescence; phosphors.
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