Effect of Tb3+ concentration on luminous properties of Y0.92-xPO4:0.08Ce, xTb microparticles

Uniform Y0.92-xPO4:0.08Ce, xTb microparticles were fabricated by hydrothermal method, and their structural and luminous properties were characterized. SEM and TEM images confirmed the existence of clavate and prismatic microparticles, with a good lattice structure. XRD analysis showed a pure tetragonal phase of the samples. The growth mechanism and the function of sodium citrate (Na3C6H5O7·2H2O, Na3Cit) on the morphology and size of Y0.92-xPO4:0.08Ce, xTb microparticles were discussed. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicated that the Ce3+/Tb3+ co-doped YPO4 exhibits a strong green illumination under the long-wave ultraviolet (UV) excitation. What's More, the PL spectra, decay time and quantum efficiency with different doped concentration of Tb3+ were discussed.