Rapid synthesis of Eu3+-doped LNT (Li–Nb–Ti–O) phosphor by millimeter-wave heating

We have been investigated a new phosphor containing the LNT (Li1+x−yNb1−x−3yTix+4yO3 (0.11 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.33, 0 ⩽ y ⩽ 0.09) with the superstructure as a host material. An Eu3+-doped LNT has prepared by sintering at 1373 K for 24 h by a conventional electric furnace before. A fast synthesizing technique that uses lower energy is required for application of the materials. In the present study, the Eu3+-doped LNT phosphor has been successfully synthesized by millimeter-wave (MM) heating at 1173 K for 1 h. A bright red emission was observed at an excitation wavelength of 398 nm. The maximum emission peak observed at around 625 nm is associated with the intra-4f shell 5D0–7F2 transition in Eu3+ ions. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the specimen by MM heating was nearly equivalent to that of the specimen obtained by electric furnace heating. MM radiation can therefore be considered to be a highly efficient, energy-saving method for the formation of Eu3+-doped LNT phosphors.

► An Eu3+-doped LNT phosphor has been successfully synthesized by millimeter-wave (MM) heating.
► The firing time was reduced from 24 h to 1 h.
► PL intensity of the specimen by MM heating was nearly equivalent to the electric furnace heating.