Sol–gel auto-combustion synthesis and luminescence properties of RVO₄: Ln³⁺ (R=La, Gd; Ln=Sm, Er, Ho, Yb/Er) microcrystals

Abstract

RVO₄: Ln³⁺ (R=La, Gd; Ln=Sm, Er, Ho, Yb/Er) microcrystals were successfully synthesized by a facile and rapid sol-gel method using glycine as the chelating agent. The crystalline structure, morphology and luminescence properties of obtained products were investigated in detail. The peaks of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were well-indexed to the standard RVO₄ patterns, indicating that the Ln³⁺ ions were well doped into the crystalline lattices and had not changed the crystalline structure. The luminescence properties of the samples are systematically studied. The typical peaks of the emission spectra were sharp and intense, revealing energy was transferred efficiently from VO₄^3- to Ln³⁺ after excitation. The schematic diagram for energy transfer between the host matrix and doped lanthanide ions were also discussed. The chromaticity coordinates of RVO₄: Ln³⁺ microcrystals were calculated. This work reveals that the rare-earth vanadates are potential candidates as excellent host matrices of phosphors.

KEYWORDS:

• Sol-gel method
• rare-earth vanadate
• lattice parameters
• luminescence properties

Acknowledgements

This work is supported by Natural Science Foundation of China (No.51701098, U1832106 51872309) and Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo Municipality (No. 2019A610064). This work is also sponsored by K. C. Wong Magna Foundation in Ningbo University.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by Natural Science Foundation of China [grant numbers 51701098, U1832106, 51872309) and Natural Science Foundation of Ningbo Municipality [grant number 2019A610064]. This work is also sponsored by K. C. Wong Magna Foundation in Ningbo University.