Influence of processing conditions on the luminescence of YVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles

Single-phase YVO4:Eu3+ nanopowders were synthesized by sol–gel combustion method using citric acid as a chelating agent and reducer. The microstructures and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the as-prepared YVO4:Eu3+ nanopowders were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and PL spectroscopy. The luminescence intensities of the YVO4 nanoparticles doped with 5 mol% Eu3+ ions strongly depended on the calcination temperature, the molar ratio of citric acid to nitrates and the amounts of the Li+ additive.