Crystalline Size Effect on the Energy Transfer from Mo-O Groups to Eu3+ Ions in R2MoO6:Eu (R = La, Gd, and Y) Crystals

Three series of R2MoO6:Eu (R = La, Gd, and Y) phosphor powders were synthesized by using the sol-gel method, and then the powder was annealed at a gradually decreased temperature from 1200 to 700 degrees C. The structures and spectra of the as-prepared phosphors were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence measurements, respectively. The profile of the Y2MoO6:Eu particles was observed by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy. The excitation of the Mo-O groups yields the emission of Eu3+ ions, indicating that an energy transfer process takes place from the Mo-O groups to Eu3+ ions. With a decrease in annealing temperature, the intensities of the excitation and emission peaks decrease; at the same time, the position of the Mo-O excitation band shifts to the short wavelength direction. The variation of the Mo-O excitation band is discussed from three aspects: crystalline size, coordination environment of Mo, and structural symmetry of the host crystal.