Photoluminescence properties of nano-sized (Y0.5Gd0.5)PO4:Eu3 + phosphor powders synthesized by solution combustion method

The solution combustion method is used to synthesize nanocrystalline (Y0.5Gd0.5)PO4:Eu0.06 phosphor powders. The crystal structure and photoluminescence properties of (Y0.5Gd0.5)PO4:Eu0.06 phosphors are significantly influenced by the calcination temperature. The amount of the tetragonal xenotime structure increases with an increase of the calcination temperature. The higher calcination temperature yields the higher value of (5D0 → 7F2)/(5D0 → 7F1), improving the color purity, which originates from the phase transformation from the monoclinic monazite structure to the tetragonal xenotime structure. The (Y0.5Gd0.5)PO4:Eu0.06 phosphor calcined at 1300 °C emits the purest red color. We need to obtain the tetragonal xenotime structure for improved red color purity.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We prepared nano-sized (Y0.5Gd0.5)PO4:Eu0.06 phosphors via solution combustion method.
► The amount of the tetragonal structure increases with annealing temperature.
► Higher annealing temperature improves the emission intensity and color purity.
► The tetragonal structure is desirable for improving red color purity.