Energy transfer and electron–phonon coupling properties in Gd2(WO4)3:Eu phosphor

• We reported a simple synthetic method to synthesize Gd2(WO4)3:Eu nanophosphors.
• The paper indicated concentration dependence of electron–phonon coupling strength.
• The energy transfer type among Eu3+ ions is exchange interaction in Gd2(WO4)3 host.
• We provided a method for calculation of energy transfer rate between Eu3+ ions.

In this paper, Gd2(WO4)3:Eu phosphors was synthesized through co-precipitation which is a simple and low-costing method. The crystal structure and morphology of the phosphors were characterized by means of XRD and field emission scanning electron microscope. The emission spectra and excitation spectra (phonon sideband spectra) of every sample were measured. The Huang–Rhys factor was derived from the phonon sideband spectra. The energy transfer type that gives rise to concentration quenching was measured, and critical energy transfer distance (Rc) was calculated. The intrinsic lifetime for 5D0 level of Eu3+ and the phonon number generated in the self-quenching process was obtained based on Auzel’s model. Finally, the energy transfer rate between Eu3+ ions was derived on the basis of the fluorescence lifetime.