Luminescent properties of Pr doped ZrSiO4 phosphors

Mixtures of ZrO2, SiO2, Pr2O3, and H3BO3 were fired at the temperature of 1150–1350 °C under H2 atmosphere. A single phase ZrSiO4:Pr phosphors could be achieved at the firing temperature above 1150 °C. Crystallinity and PL properties strongly depended on the flux amounts, firing temperature, and dopant concentrations. ZrSiO4:Pr phosphors showed a strong red emission at 615 nm and a weak red emission at 622 nm with an excitation wavelength of 295 and 450 nm, respectively. Two sets of the emission bands and excitation spectra originated from Pr3+ ions at Zr and Si sites, respectively.