Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Y1−x (P0.6V0.4)O4:xEu3+ red-emitting phosphors

Abstract

Y1−x (P0.6V0.4)O4:xEu3+ phosphors with different dopant concentration of Eu3+ (x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.10, 0.13, 0.15) have been synthesized via chemical coprecipitation method. The consequent phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra. The results of XRD indicate that the samples belong to tetragonal system, and Eu3+ are successfully doped into the lattice without changing the lattice structure. Infrared spectroscopy reveal that all polyphosphates and polyvanadates are transformed to orthophosphates and orthovanadates, respectively. Under excitation wavelength at 350 nm, the emission spectra exhibit the 5D0 → 7F J (J = 0–2) transitions belonged to Eu3+ ions in the region of 400–650 nm. Compared with YPO4:Eu3+ phosphors, the introduction of VO4 3− into the matrix, which corresponding to the intensity of Eu3+ 5D0 → 7F2 transition located at 619 nm, and emitting pure red light, can be significantly increased. The emission intensity of the phosphors first reach the maximum when the concentration of Eu3+ is 0.05, and then decreases with increasing of Eu3+ ions concentration, this is resulting from concentration quenching caused by the reabsorption effect. The results indicate that the obtained phosphors have a certain application as red light emitting phosphors in ultraviolet-pumped white light-emitting diodes (LEDs).