YVO4:Eu3+ Phosphor in Glass (PiG) Composites: Performance Dictated by the Glass Host

This study details the synthesis of YVO4:Eu3+ phosphor and three distinct phosphor-in-glass (PiG) composites, which were developed using borosilicate (by Corning), Gorilla® Glass, and boron-calcium invert glass matrices. Analysis of luminescence characteristics reveals that the phosphor follows the expected transitions of the Eu3+ ion, producing a high purity red emission, centered at 619 nm. Its emission spectrum consists of four primary bands located at 595, 619, 652, and 700 nm, due to the 5D0 energy level to the 7FJ (J = 1, 2, 3, or 4) Eu3+ states. PiGs maintain chromatic purity while offering significantly enhanced luminescent intensity and quantum yield compared to YVO4:Eu3+ phosphor. This performance is attributed to a combination of factors, including the intrinsic improvement in the crystallinity of the phosphor upon the 800 °C treatment and the protective role of the glass matrix. Additionally, the partial migration of Eu3+ ions to sites within the glass network may contribute to more efficient light emission. Many phosphor/glass ratios were tested, finding that 60% phosphor and 40% glass maximized luminescent output across all glass systems, while over 60% phosphor resulted in a clear loss of structural integrity producing fragile materials, establishing this ratio as the functional limit. Ultimately, the data indicate that the improvement in the final optical performance of PiG systems is fundamentally dictated by the specific chemical environment and nature of the glass host utilized in the synthesis.