LAUSR

Abstract This study demonstrates the emission enhancement of Al 3+ co-doped SrZn 2 (PO 4 ) 2 :Eu 2+ ,Mn 2+ phosphors. The crystallinity and emission mechanism were investigated, and the results indicate that co-doping with Al 3+ increased the atomic concentrations of Sr and P and induced the formation of Al–O bonds. The formation of P–O–P bonds was also facilitated. Furthermore, the crystal field strength of Mn 2+ –O 2- was decreased, and the reduction reaction of Eu 3+ to Eu 2+ was promoted. Photoluminescence measurements revealed a 2.83-fold enhancement of the Eu 2+ emission upon co-doping with 0.46 mol of Al 3+ . However, the Mn 2+ emission decreased and was blue-shifted because of the increased bond length of Mn 2+ –O 2- and decreased ligand field around Mn 2+ . The phosphor decay time was also reduced with increasing Al 3+ concentration.