Eco-friendly Er3+/Yb3+/Pr3+ tri-doped CaNaZrO3 Lead-Free Perovskite Phosphor with Cyan/Green Emission for Smart Greenhouse Lighting
Nathan Akache Abutu1,2*; Ahemen Iorkyaa3; Carlos Eduardo Rodríguez-García4,5; Nelson Oshogwue Etafo4,6; Armando Reyes Rojas 2
1Department of Industrial Physics, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (University of Agriculture Makurdi), P.M.B. 2373 Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. 2Materials Science Department. Centro de Investigacion’ en Materiales Avanzados, S.C., Miguel de Cervantes 120, Complejo Industrial Chihuahua, 31109, Chihuahua, CHIH, Mexico 3Department of Physics, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (University of Agriculture Makurdi), P.M.B. 2373 Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria 4Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Boulevard Venustiano Carranza Ing. José Cárdenas Valdés S/N, 25280 Saltillo, Coahuila, México. 5Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Edif. A. S/N, Unidad Camporredondo, 25000, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico 6Universidad Politécnica de Ramos Arizpe, De Las Americas, 25903 Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico
Loading the poster…
Abstract
Modern indoor cultivation and smart greenhouse systems depend on phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes to optimize the photosynthetic photon flux density delivered to crops. While traditional agricultural lighting emphasizes narrow-band red (~660 nm) and blue (~450 nm) wavelengths, this binary configuration creates a severe "cyan gap" (480-510 nm), which limits lower-canopy light penetration and suppresses critical carotenoid-driven energy transfer. Furthermore, conventional lead-based perovskite phosphors present severe toxicity risks, restricting their integration into food production environments. This study reports the synthesis, structural optimization, and luminescent performance of a novel, environmentally friendly, Er3+/Yb3+/Pr3+ tri-doped CaNaZrO3 lead-free oxide perovskite phosphor tailored for supplemental agricultural illumination. Upon short-wave ultraviolet excitation (λex = 242 nm), the synthesized perovskite exhibits a highly efficient, prominent cyan-green down-conversion emission peaking at 499 nm, corresponding to the localized 4f-4f electronic transitions of Er3+ ions within the stable zirconate host lattice. Photosynthetic assessments demonstrate that this 499 nm emission bridges the agricultural cyan gap by aligning with the maximum absorption zones of vital accessory pigments (carotenoids, lutein) and triggering phototropin-mediated stomatal opening. This dual-functional material simultaneously screens harmful ultraviolet radiation while generating high-quality canopy-penetrating photons, providing a safe, robust, and highly efficient lead-free luminescent pathway for high-yield sustainable agriculture. Acknowledgment: This research received funding support from the Consejo Nacional de Humanidades Ciencias y Technologias (CONAHCYT) Mexico (Reference No.: 1114163) for Nathan A. Abutu's Ph.D. research scholarship. The author expresses gratitude to the personnel at the Centro de Investigacion en Materiales Avanzados (CIMAV) Chihuahua, S.C., Mexico, and the Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, for their assistance with characterization and analysis.
Keywords: Lead-free perovskite phosphor; Cyan-green down conversion; Smart greenhouse lighting