Study on the preparation and luminescence properties of SrGe4O9:Mn4+ red phosphors for plant illumination

Abstract In this study, SrGe 4 O 9 :Mn 4+ red phosphors for plant illumination were prepared using a high‐temperature solid‐phase method. The samples were characterized and analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), fluorescence spectroscopy, and other techniques. The phase structure, apparent morphology, and luminescence properties of the SrGe 4 O 9 :Mn 4+ red phosphors were investigated. The results indicated that the dopant Mn 4+ was incorporated into the matrix structure by substituting some Ge 4+ ions without any changes in the crystal structure of the SrGe 4 O 9 matrix. The samples comprised micron‐scale particles and exhibited high purity and uniform distribution of elements. The SrGe 4 O 9 :Mn 4+ phosphors exhibited relatively strong red light emission at 660 nm under the excitation of a 430‐nm blue light, and the luminescence intensity was the highest when the Mn 4+ doping amount was 1%. Proper doping of Ti 4+ or Sn 4+ could effectively improve the luminescence intensity of the SrGe 4 O 9 :Mn 4+ phosphors. The light‐emitting diode (LED) device packaging showed that the SrGe 4 O 9 :Mn 4+ red phosphors could be used for plant growth illumination.