Luminescence properties of Ce3+ co-activated LaPO4:Dy3+ nanorods prepared in different solvents and tunable blue to white light emission from Eu3+ co-activated LaPO4:Dy3+, Ce3+

The nanorods of Ce3+ sensitized LaPO4:Dy3+ with and without co-activation of Eu3+ have been synthesized by simple chemical route at relatively low temperature (150 degrees C). Effect of solvents on photoluminescence properties of Ce3+ sensitized LaPO4:Dy3+ is studied by taking different solvents such as water, ethylene glycol (EG), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and their mixture. The samples prepared in EG and DMSO show monoclinic phase, whereas the samples prepared in water and mixed solvents show hexagonal phase. This hexagonal phase is transformed to monoclinic phase when the sample is heated at or above 600 degrees C and exhibits less luminescence intensity than that in monoclinic phase. The luminescence intensity of Dy3+ is enhanced when co-doped with Ce3+ because of energy transfer process. The luminescence color can be tuned from blue to white when Eu3+ is co-doped into LaPO4:Dy3+, Ce3+. The prepared nanoparticles are dispersible and their polymer films are prepared after incorporation in to the polymer matrix. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.