Synthesis, structure, luminescence and photocatalytic properties of CaTiO(SiO4):Eu3+

Abstract

Titanite CaTiO(SiO4):Eu3+ were synthesized by a solvothermal-calcination method and an improved high-temperature solid-state synthesis method. Their structure, luminescence properties and photocatalytic propoties were comparatively studied in detail. It was found that CaTiO(SiO4):Eu3+ synthesized by the two methods belong to two different types of crystalline and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Titanite synthesized by solvothermal-calcination method has rough and porous surface morphology, larger BET, and smaller crystallite size, which result in a weaker luminescence intensity than the one synthesized by high-temperature solid-state method. But in the experiment of photocatalysis, all these disadvantages are turned into advantages. In addition, the high temperature process also increases the symmetry of Eu3+ occupation and leads to many surface traps, which result in a less red color and a shorter fluorescence life than solvothermal synthesized titanite. We hope that this comparative study will extend the applications and research ideas of titanite.