Crystal defect induced zero thermal quenching β-NaYF(4): Eu(3+), Sm(3+) red-emitting phosphor

Red phosphors with brilliant performance are crucial for the application of white LEDs as their red-light component. However, the thermal quenching phenomenon is an inevitable obstacle in the practical application of various types of red-light phosphors. In this study, we report the preparation of a novel type of phosphor, NaYF(4): 0.065Eu(3+), 0.002Sm(3+), possessing not only an energy transfer effect from Sm(3+) to Eu(3+) but also superior negative thermal quenching (NTQ) performance. The phosphor was synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method, resulting in a prominent improvement in its luminous thermal stability supported by NTQ. The NTQ originated from the thermal stimulation excitement of the captured electrons in electronic traps, which is attributed to the non-equivalence between the different types of ions. The shape of the emission spectrum measured at high temperature was identical to that measured at room temperature, which not only showed the remarkable thermal stability of this novel type of phosphor but also the promising prospect of its practical application. This finding will contribute to improving the thermal stability of phosphor materials doped with lanthanide elements.