Surface-Protected High-Efficiency Nanophosphors via Space-Limited Ship-in-a-Bottle Synthesis for Broadband Near-Infrared Mini-Light-Emitting Diodes

Mini-light-emitting diodes (mini-LEDs) are regarded as a promising light source for future high-end electronic products. Phosphors with a small size and high efficiency have been reported to achieve this goal. Here, we demonstrate that an easily synthesized Ga2O3:Cr3+-embedded mesoporous silica nanoparticle (GOC@MSN) is an outstanding nanophosphor with a superb internal quantum efficiency (91.4%) and a good thermal stability. Structural studies have determined the mesostructure and intermolecular transfer of free electrons. Meanwhile, spectral studies have demonstrated detailed luminescent and thermal properties. A mini-LED package using a GOC@MSN nanophosphor and covering 650–900 nm exhibits its potential for practical applications. This work provides insight into the space-limited ship-in-a-bottle synthesis method for achieving a high quantum efficiency in nanosized phosphors and motivates further research on luminescent materials that use mini-LEDs.