Microwave synthesis and luminescence properties of YVO4:Eu3+

Abstract

Europium-doped YVO₄ phosphors have been synthesized using microwave radiation of 700 W power. The uniformity and high rate of microwave heating, as well as “nonthermal” effects of microwave radiation, considerably accelerate the decomposition of precursors and YVO₄:Eu³⁺ synthesis. The europium concentration was varied from 1 to 8 at %. The luminescence intensity of YVO₄:Eu³⁺ was shown to depend on Eu³⁺ concentration, with a maximum at 8 at % Eu³⁺. According to transmission electron microscopy data, the synthesized phosphors consist of nanoparticles 6 to 8 nm in size, with an appreciable degree of agglomeration.