Synthesis and VUV luminescent properties of LaPO4:Eu3+ nanowires

• 5D0 → 7F2 integrated emission intensity of LaPO4:Eu3+ was higher than 5D0 → 7F1 transition.
• VUV luminescent intensities of LaPO4:Eu3+ nanowires were maintained in a certain value.
• Self-purification phenomenon is observed in LaPO4:Eu3+ nanowires.

A series of different concentrations of LaPO4:Eu3+ phosphors with the morphology of nanowires were successfully prepared by a precipitation method. It was observed that the integrated intensity of 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+ was higher than its 5D0 → 7F1 transition when the sintering temperature was at 600 °C. The most interesting phenomenon was that the doping concentrations of LaPO4:Eu3+ nanowires were changed in a large range (5–15%), the photoluminescence intensities were maintained in a certain value. This phenomenon was not observed in the bulk LaPO4:Eu3+ phosphors. A detailed explanation to this phenomenon was given.