Synthesis, Luminescence and Energy Transfer Properties of Ce3+/Mn2+ Co-Doped Calcium Carbodiimide Phosphors

Ce3+-doped and Ce3+/Mn2+ co-doped calcium carbodiimide (CaCN2) phosphors were synthesized from doped calcium carbonate and carbon nitride by a solid-state reaction at 700 & DEG;C under flowing NH3 using a very short reaction time (1 h). The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and their diffuse reflectance and luminescence properties were investigated. Single-doped CaCN2:Ce3+ exhibits a blue emission under near-ultraviolet activation (386 nm) corresponding to the 5d(1) & RARR; F-2(5/2) and 5d(1) & RARR; F-2(7/2) transitions of Ce3+. Maximum emission is obtained at temperatures lower than 150 K and then progressively decreases up to 387 K, with an 80% drop in the emission at room temperature. Efficient energy transfers from Ce3+ to Mn2+ via a non-radiative dipole-dipole mechanism are evidenced for the co-doped samples, leading to various colored phosphors under near-ultraviolet activation (386 nm). The emission color of the obtained phosphors can be modulated from blue to red through a shade of white depending on the sensitizer/activator ratio.