Highly efficient visible emission of YPO4:Dy3+ via co-doping of Bi3+ ions

Dy3+ ions are an efficient activator for achieving near-UV-excited single-phase white light and blue LD-pumped yellow laser output. However, weak luminescence intensity is one of the main factors affecting its application. Herein, a series of Dy3+-doped and Dy3+/Bi3+ co-doped YPO4 phosphors were synthesized by high-temperature solid-phase method to enhance the luminescence of Dy3+ ions. The structure, morphology, and luminescence properties were studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. When excited at 353 nm and 450 nm, Dy3+ ions had three main emission peaks in the visible light range. When Bi3+/Dy3+ were co-doped, the emission intensity of the sample was significantly enhanced. The optimal doping concentration of Dy3+ was 4.0%. The energy transfer between Bi3+ and Dy3+ contribute to the enhancement of Dy3+ luminescence. The study indicates that Bi3+ co-doping can effectively enhance the visible light emission of Dy3+ ions.