Synthesis of a new NASICON-type blue luminescent material

A new blue emitting phosphor, Eu0.5Zr2(PO4)3, was synthesized for the first time by the solid-state reaction method. The sample developed in the present study has a stable NASICON-type rhombohedral structure, which consists of a three-dimensional network formed by PO4 tetrahedra sharing corners with ZrO6 octahedra in a single phase with high crystallinity. The photoluminescent emission spectrum shows typical emission from 4f65d1 to 4f7 of Eu2+, although the improvement of the luminescent property will be necessary by optimization of the preparation process and the modification of the particle morphology.