Luminescence and energy transfer of the color-tunable phosphor Li₆Gd(BO₃)₃:Tb³⁺/Bi³⁺, Eu³⁺.
Bi(3+)/Tb(3+), Eu(3+) co-doped Li6Gd(BO3)3 (LGBO) phosphors were synthesized via a traditional solid-state method. Phase purity was investigated using X-ray diffraction, absorption strength of the phosphors were investigated by UV-vis absorption spectra, and the photoluminescence properties of the phosphors were studied systematically. Results showed that the emission intensity of Bi(3+), Eu(3+) co-doped LBOG was 2.76 times higher than that of Eu(3+)-doped LGBO irradiated at 275 nm, thereby implying the possibility of energy transfer from Bi(3+) to Eu(3+). The excitation spectra of Tb(3+), Eu(3+) co-doped LGBO phosphors are broader in comparison with single-doped phosphors and show tunable colors from green to yellow to orange-red when the ratio of Tb(3+) to Eu(3+) is adjusted These results demonstrate that LGBO:Tb(3+), Eu(3+) phosphors have potential use in light-emitting diodes.