Synthesis, structure, luminescence and photocatalytic properties of CaTiO (SiO4):Eu3+

Titanite CaTiO(SiO4):Eu3+ were synthesized by a solvothermal-calcination method and an improved high-temperature solid-state synthesis method. Their structure, luminescence properties and photocatalytic pro-poties were comparatively studied in detail. It was found that CaTiO(SiO4):Eu3+ synthesized by the two methods belong to two different types of crystalline and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Titanite synthesized by solvothermal-calcination method has rough and porous surface morphology, larger BET, and smaller crystallite size, which result in a weaker luminescence intensity than the one synthesized by high-temperature solid-state method. But in the experiment of photocatalysis, all these disadvantages are turned into advantages. In addition, the high temperature process also increases the symmetry of Eu3+ occupation and leads to many surface traps, which result in a less red color and a shorter fluorescence life than solvothermal synthesized titanite. We hope that this comparative study will extend the applications and research ideas of titanite.

Automated summary

Titanite CaTiO(SiO4):Eu3+ was synthesized by two different methods and their structure, luminescence properties and photocatalytic properties were comparatively studied. It was found that the two methods produced titanite with different crystalline types, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. The solvothermal-calcination method resulted in titanite with a rough and porous surface, larger BET and smaller crystallite size, leading to weaker luminescence intensity compared to the high-temperature solid-state synthesis method. However, these disadvantages turned into advantages during the photocatalysis experiment. The high-temperature process also affected the red color and fluorescence life of the titanite. This comparative study aims to expand the applications and research ideas of titanite.