Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of EuVO4 red phosphors

High-quality EuVO4 phosphor powders are synthesized by the solution combustion method. The formation of single phase EuVO4 with tetragonal structure is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The annealed EuVO4 powders show a smooth surface, spherical-like shape, and ultra-fine size. The excitation spectra monitored at 619 nm exhibit broad bands from 327 to 501 nm, which match well with the emission of near-ultraviolet (n-UV) light-emitting diode (LED) and bluish-green LED chips. The phosphors show a characteristic red emission at 594, 619, 651, and 697 nm due to the transitions from the excited D-5(0) to F-7(J) (J=1-4) levels of Eu3+. The emission spectra exhibit a strong peak at 619 nm (red) and a weak peak at 594 nm (orange). The EuVO4 phosphors annealed at 1150 C yield the most efficient red emission. (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.