Novel Cr^(3+)-activated far-red emitting phosphors withβ-Ca_(3)(PO_(4))_(2)-type structure for indoor plant cultivation

Cr^(3+)-activated far-red and near-infrared phosphors have drawn considerable attention owing to their adjustable emission wavelengths and wide applications.Herein,we reported a series of Cr^(3+)-doped phosphors withβ-Ca_(3)(PO_(4))_(2)-type structure,of which Ca_(9)Ga(PO_(4))_(7):Cr^(3+) possessed the highest far-red emission intensity.At an excitation of 440 nm,the Ca_(9)Ga(PO_(4))_(7):Cr^(3+) phosphors exhibited a broad emission band ranging from 650 to 850 nm and peaking at 735 nm,and the broadband superimposed two sharp lines centering at 690 and 698 nm.The optimal sample Ca_(9)Ga_(0.97)(PO_(4))_(7):0.03 Cr^(3+) had an internal quantum efficiency of 55.7%.The luminescence intensity of the Ca_(9)Ga_(0.97)(PO_(4))_(7):0.03 Cr^(3+) phosphor obtained at 423 K could maintain 68.5%of that at room temperature,demonstrating its outstanding luminescence thermal stability.A phosphor-conversion light-emitting diode was fabricated,indicating that the Ca_(9)Ga(PO_(4))_(7):Cr^(3+) phosphor has potential applications in indoor plant cultivation.