Structural and optical properties of a new structural modification of Na3+3xYb2−x(PO4)3:1% Eu phosphate, where x = 0,1-0,5 and prospective thermometric applications of the compound

Abstract

The powders of Na3+3xYb2-x(PO4)3: 1% Eu3+ (where x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) have been synthesized using thermal method in solid state. Their structural and spectroscopic properties were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, microcalorimetric method (DSC), Raman, infrared, absorption and luminescence studies. It was find that the studied materials belong to the NASICON-type compounds and crystallize in rhombohedral or monoclinic type of structure. Photoluminescence of investigated samples presents typical emission of Eu3+ ions with the dominance of electric dipole transitions and near-infrared bands attributed to Yb3+ ions. Efficient red and infrared emissions under the excitation of 395 nm can be attractive for LED lighting. The highest Yb3+ emission intensity has been registered for the sample with the Na3.9Yb1.7(PO4)3: 1% Eu3+ composition (x=0.3). Ytterbium excited level can be populated by the energy transfer from the Eu3+ ions and can be enhanced by sample heating. Due to the non-radiative processes, the Eu3+ luminescence decay times monitored at 619 nm were bi-exponental. Because of the strong influence of temperature on emission intensities, obtained compounds can be useful for non-contact temperature readout, especially in the high-temperature region (above 600 K). The maximum value of relative sensitivity Sr is equal 2.91%K-1 at 855 K for the sample Na3+3xYb2-x(PO4)3: 1% Eu3+ (x=0.3).