LaAlO(3):Mn(4+) as Near-Infrared Emitting Persistent Luminescence Phosphor for Medical Imaging: A Charge Compensation Study

Mn(4+)-activated phosphors are emerging as a novel class of deep red/near-infrared emitting persistent luminescence materials for medical imaging as a promising alternative to Cr(3+)-doped nanomaterials. Currently, it remains a challenge to improve the afterglow and photoluminescence properties of these phosphors through a traditional high-temperature solid-state reaction method in air. Herein we propose a charge compensation strategy for enhancing the photoluminescence and afterglow performance of Mn(4+)-activated LaAlO(3) phosphors. LaAlO(3):Mn(4+) (LAO:Mn(4+)) was synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction in air. The charge compensation strategies for LaAlO(3):Mn(4+) phosphors were systematically discussed. Interestingly, Cl(−)/Na(+)/Ca(2+)/Sr(2+)/Ba(2+)/Ge(4+) co-dopants were all found to be beneficial for enhancing LaAlO(3):Mn(4+) luminescence and afterglow intensity. This strategy shows great promise and opens up new avenues for the exploration of more promising near-infrared emitting long persistent phosphors for medical imaging.