VUV photoluminescence properties of Y1−xGdxVO4:Eu phosphors prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

The red-emitting (Y1−xGdx)0.94Eu0.06VO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) phosphors were synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. The (Y1−xGdx)0.94Eu0.06VO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) phosphors had the tetragonal xenotime structure with a space group of I41/amd (1 4 1). The calculated crystallite sizes of the annealed phosphors ranged from 58 to 68 nm. In this study, we discussed the photoluminescence properties of the (Y1−xGdx)0.94Eu0.06VO4 phosphors under VUV excitation, depending on Gd content. The emission intensity of the (Y1−xGdx)0.94Eu0.06VO4 phosphors increased with increasing Gd content up to x = 0.5, and then decreased with a further increase in Gd content. The purest red color was obtained for the (Y0.5Gd0.5)0.94Eu0.06VO4 phosphors.