Concentration effect on photoluminescence of Eu3+-doped nanocrystalline YVO4

Eu3+-doped YVO4 nanopowders were prepared by the modified Pechini method. The structural properties were studied with XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy. XRD pattern indicates that nanocrystalline YVO4:Eu3+ powders form only pure tetragonal phase. SEM images show that synthesized samples are mixture of large, well-faceted particles and weakly agglomerated nanoparticles. The symmetry of luminescent centers local surrounding was discussed in terms of asymmetry coefficient. Dependence of luminescent intensity on Eu3+ doping concentration was studied at different excitation wavelengths. Lifetimes of D-5(0) level were measured for all the synthesized nanopowders. Also the probabilities of radiative, nonradiative processes, and the radiative lifetimes were calculated. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.