Preparation and photoluminescence properties of hydrothermally synthesized YVO4:Eu3+ nanofibers

A general and facile hydrothermal process was established for the synthesis of the trivalent europium ion-doped yttrium orthovanadate (YVO4:Eu3+) nanofibers. The TEM observations indicated that the nanofibers were formed by a surface deposition with a subsequent crystal growth procedure through hydrothermally treating the material up to 15 h, during which the VO43− deposited onto the surface of the Eu(OH)3 precursor and then reacted gradually with the inner core to generate the YVO4 nanofibers. Photoluminescence properties of YVO4:Eu3+nanofibers have been investigated and have shown that emission intensity of electric dipole transition is dominating over magnetic dipole transition indicating the asymmetric environment of Eu3+ ion. These well crystalline Eu3+ion-doped YVO4 nanofibers exhibit great potential to act as a novel red-emitting phosphor.

Graphical abstractFacile hydrothermal synthesis process was established for preparation of the Eu3+-doped yttrium orthovanadate (YVO4:Eu3+) nanofibers.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Simple hydrothermal process was employed for synthesis of luminescent YVO4:Eu3+ nanofibers. ► FETEM micrograph shows the nanofibers nature of the luminescent metal ion-doped YVO4 nanomaterials. ► A remarkable photoluminescence property of YVO4:Eu3+nanofibers has been investigated and has shown that emission intensity of electric dipole transition is dominating over magnetic dipole transition.