Synthesis of high efficient nanosized Y(V,P)O4:Eu3+ red phosphors by a new technique

A new synthesis technique (liquid-phase precursor method) has been employed to synthesize nanosized Y(V,P)O4:Eu3+ red phosphor particles of size 10–35 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the synthesis of single phase Y(V,P)O4:Eu3+ nanoparticles with tetragonal structure. The surface treatment with the KOH ionic solution at room temperature enhanced the grain growth (40–70 nm) of the nanoparticles. The possible grain growth mechanism is explained on the basis of formation of more OH− groups in the solid solution after KOH introduction. The photoluminescence spectra obtained from the nanophosphors showed strong red luminescence due to 5D0 → 7F2,4 forced electric dipole transition. The luminescence intensity of the KOH-treated nanophosphors is comparable (about 70%) with the commercial sample.

Research highlights
► A new synthesis method has been employed to synthesize Y(V,P)O4:Eu3+ red phosphors.
► Samples treated with KOH solution showed increase in the particle size.
► KOH treated samples showed enhanced photoluminescence properties.
► A possible grain growth mechanism was proposed based on the results obtained.
► The synthesized phosphors showed dominant red emission.