Preparation, microstructure and crystal structure studies of Li+ co-doped YPO4:Eu3+

Rod-like shape particles of tetragonal phase Li+ co-doped YPO4:Eu samples are prepared by using a polyol method at low temperature (similar to 100-120 degrees C for 1 h). Li+ co-doping enhances the crystalline nature of the sample and reduces the agglomeration among the particles. The shift in the reflection peaks of the tetragonal phase to the lower 2 theta angle in the X-ray diffraction pattern indicates the occupancy of Li+ ions in the interstitial sites of the host lattice. The point group symmetry of Y3+/Eu3+ in YPO4 is demonstrated in simple representation.