Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Sm3+ substituted glaserite-type orthovanadates K3Y[VO4]2 with monoclinic structure

A novel phosphor of Glaserite type Orthovanadate K3Y[VO4](2) substituted with the trivalent rare-earth Sm3+ ions were synthesized by the conventional high temperature solid-state reaction method, their structural characterization and photoluminescent properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction and spectrofluorimetry. The phase-purity of glaserite structure in the synthesized compound was verified by XRD study. The morphology was measured by FESEM. Host lattice emits broad-band green color and it is originated from the [VO4](3-). Photoluminescence studies of Sm3+ activated samples show orange red emission. The charge transfer behaviours from [VO4](3-) to Sm3+ ions (host to activator) in K3Y(1-x)[VO4](2):Sm-x(3+) phosphors have been confirmed by photoluminescence and PL decay life time measurement. No concentration quenching was observed even for higher concentration of the dopant Sm3+ ions. The CIE chromaticity color coordinate values were calculated and it is very much closer to the NTSC standards. All the results clearly indicate that self-activated K3Y1-x[VO4](2) with the rare earth Sm-x(3+) activated phosphors show great potential as a phosphor material for near-UV based white LEDs. (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.