Abstract
Mn(4+)-doped red-light-emitting phosphors have become a research hotspot that can effectively enhance photosynthesis and promote morphogenesis in plants. Herein, the red phosphor La(3)Mg(2)NbO(9):Mn(4+) was synthesized through the solid-state reaction method. The effects of adding H(3)BO(3) and a charge compensator R(+) (R = Li, Na, K) on the crystal structure, morphology, quantum efficiency, and luminous performance of the La(3)Mg(2)NbO(9):Mn(4+) phosphor were systematically analyzed, respectively. The results showed that adding H(3)BO(3) flux and a charge compensator improved the quantum efficiency and luminescence intensity. The emission intensity of the phosphor was enhanced about 5.9 times when Li(+) was used as the charge compensator, while it was enhanced about 240% with the addition of H(3)BO(3) flux. Remarkably, it was also found that the addition of H(3)BO(3) flux and a charge compensator simultaneously improved the thermal stability at 423 K from 47.3% to 68.9%. The prototype red LED fabricated using the La(3)Mg(2)NbO(9):Mn(4+),H(3)BO(3),Li(+) phosphor exhibited a perfect overlap with the phytochrome absorption band for plant growth. All of these results indicate that the La(3)Mg(2)NbO(9):Mn(4+),H(3)BO(3),Li(+) phosphor has great potential for use in agricultural plant lighting.