Formation and growth of LaOCl:Eu3+-crystal in KCl-LiCl molten flux and its luminescent properties

Homogeneously Eu3+ doped LaOCl single crystals are firstly synthesized in a molten KCl-LiCl flux, and the well-shaped LaOCl:Eu3+ polyhedral micro-plates exhibit noticeable luminescent properties. The bulk LaOCl:Eu3+ micro-plate with a width of 1.03 mu m and 1.37 mu m in length shows a single crystal characteristic with the crystal face orientation of [00 (1) over bar]. Both XRD patterns and EDS mapping indicate that the Eu3+ ions have been homogeneously doped into LaOCl lattice. LaOCl:Eu3+ nucleuses generated in molten KCl-LiCl flux at even 350 degrees C benefited to the decomposition of La(OH)(3):Eu3+ precursor, and polyhedral LaOCl micro-plate is easily formed in molten KCl-LiCl salt due to the solid-ionic reaction and crystal growth. The luminescent properties of LaOCl:Eu3+ are firstly enhanced and then weakened with the increasing concentration of the doped Eu3+, 6% Eu3+ doped LaOCl:Eu3+ exhibits the best luminescent properties which can be used as a potential LED material.

Automated summary

Homogeneously Eu3+ doped LaOCl single crystals were synthesized in a molten KCl-LiCl flux, forming well-shaped LaOCl:Eu3+ polyhedral micro-plates with noticeable luminescent properties. The luminescent properties of LaOCl:Eu3+ were initially enhanced and then weakened with the increasing concentration of doped Eu3+, with 6% Eu3+ doped LaOCl:Eu3+ showing the best luminescent properties as a potential LED material.