Molten salt synthesis, characterization and luminescence of ZnWO4:Eu3+ nanophosphors

ZnWO4:Eu3+ red nanophosphors have been synthesized by a simple, environmentally friendly and low cost molten salt method using LiNO3, NaNO3 and KNO3 as flux. We investigate the influences of the variety and amount of molten salt flux on photoluminescence properties of these phosphors. The products belong to the nanoparticle with particle size of around 50 nm. The PL intensity of the ZnWO4:Eu3+ using NaNO3 molten flux is stronger than that of the samples using KNO3 molten flux, revealing that the remaining impurity molten salt produces the defects within ZnWO4 host to be favorable for the luminescence of Eu3+.

ZnWO4:Eu3+ red nanophosphors with 50 nm particle size have been synthesized by a simple, environmentally friendly and low cost molten salt method using LiNO3, NaNO3 and KNO3 as flux. The PL intensity of the ZnWO4:Eu3+ using NaNO3 molten flux is stronger than that of the samples using KNO3 molten flux, revealing that the remaining impurity molten salt produces the defects within ZnWO4 host to be favorable for the luminescence of Eu3+.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Molten salt synthesis for ZnWO4:Eu3+. ▶ The luminescence and microstructure are compared with the samples from different molten salts.