A green-light-driven Mn4+ doped aluminate for agricultural cultivation with high resemblance to the phytochrome spectrum

Facility agriculture has been widely used around the world due to its effective strategy of increasing the added value of agricultural products. The study of Mn4+ doped oxidized red phosphors has become a prominent area of research aimed at addressing the shortage of red light in agriculture and horticulture. In this work, SrZnAl10O17 far-red phosphors doped with Mn4+ were deliberately designed through a high-temperature solid-state reaction. The crystal structure was determined through Rietveld refinement, and a comprehensive analysis of the photoluminescence properties was conducted. When illuminated with light at either 396 or 552 nm, the SrZnAl10O17:Mn4+ phosphors displayed a distinct narrow emission band, covering the wavelength range of 600 to 800 nm, with a peak occurring at 692 nm. Notably, the photoluminescence intensity of these phosphors did not show significant variations under 396 and 552 nm light excitation—a relatively uncommon occurrence in Mn4+-doped red oxide phosphors. Furthermore, the photoluminescence spectra of SrZnAl10O17:Mn4+ phosphors closely matched the absorption spectra of PFR, suggesting the potential application of these phosphors in agricultural cultivation.