Preparation and luminescent properties of MgTiO3:Eu3+ phosphor for white LEDs

A novel red phosphor Eu3+ doped magnesium titanate (MgTiO3) was synthesized via sol-gel method. The X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) revealed that a pure MgTiO3 phase was obtained. Its excitation spectrum consisted of a broad band (<350 nm) and a series of narrow bands in the long wavelength, and the strongest excitation peak at 465 nm might be exited by GaN-chip to emit red light for white LED. The phosphors showed strong emission at 614 nm which could be attributed to the 5D0→7F2 emission of Eu3+. The emission intensity of MgTiO3:Eu3+ phosphor reached the maximum at the Eu3+ concentration of 3.5 mol.%. The luminescent properties (such as emission intensity and decay times) were further improved by introducing Al3+ as a charge compensator, demonstrating potential applications in white LED.