Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of red-emitting Ca3−3x/2(VO4)2:xEu3+ phosphors

Nano-sized and well-dispersed Ca3−3x/2(VO4)2:xEu3+ (0.01≤x≤0.09) powders are prepared by the solution combustion method. The effect of the Eu3+ concentration and annealing temperature on the photoluminescence properties of Ca3−3x/2(VO4)2:xEu3+ phosphors is investigated. Ca3−3x/2(VO4)2:xEu3+ phosphors show an intense red emission at 613 nm under ultraviolet excitation. The emission intensity increases with an increase in Eu3+ concentration up to x=0.05 and then decreases with further increase of Eu3+ concentration. Ca2.925(VO4)2:0.05Eu3+ phosphor annealed at 1050 °C shows the strongest emission intensity.