Synthesis and Characterization of Europium-exchanged Titanate Nanoporous Phosphors

Eu-x(NH4)(2-2x)Ti3O7 nanoporous phosphor was prepared by ion exchange method. (NH4)(2)Ti3O7 nanotubes were employed as the host structure by treating H2Ti3O7 with NH4OH solution and the activator, Eu2+, was introduced into the host via ion exchange. This is an easy and feasible way to prepare a phosphor. The synthesized samples were characterized using TEM, XRD, N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, TPR, and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Experimental results showed that a portion of Eu2+ ions was oxidized into Eu3+ ions during ion exchange, resulting in the present phosphor with blue-emitting and red-emitting. Moreover, the tubular structure of Eu-x(NH4)(2-2x)Ti3O7 was distorted as Eu2+ was placed into the host structure. This distortion is attributed to the electrostatic interaction between Eu2+ and the electric field of the host structure.