Cerium-based phosphors: blue luminescent properties for applications in optical displays

In this paper, we describe the blue photoluminescence (PL) observed in the multi-component oxosalt phosphor GdVO4:Ce3+. Different doping concentrations (0.25–1 mol%) and heat treatment (900–1100 C) were used to evaluate which conditions would lead to the most suitable blue phosphor for optimal display performance. The cerium doping concentration influences the profile of the emission spectrum (broad peak at 412 nm under UV excitation at 330 nm), as reflected on the values of chromaticity coordinates. On the basis of luminescent properties, we can conclude that, among the phosphors prepared in this work the most adequate for a blue display is the one obtained via the combustion method using glycine as fuel, a 0.50 mol% cerium doping concentration, and heat treatment at 1000 C.