VUV photoluminescence properties of Y1-xGdxVO4:Eu phosphors prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

The red-emitting (Y1-xGdx)(0.94)Eu0.06VO4 (0 <= x <= 1.0) phosphors were synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. The (Y1-xGdx)(0.94)Eu0.06VO4 (0 <= x <= 1.0) phosphors had the tetragonal xenotime structure with a space group of I4(1)/amd (1 4 1). The calculated crystallite sizes of the annealed phosphors ranged from 58 to 68 nm. In this study, we discussed the photoluminescence properties of the (Y1-xGdx)(0.94)E0.06VO4 phosphors under VUV excitation, depending on Gd content. The emission intensity of the (Y1-xGdx)(0.94)Eu0.06VO4 phosphors increased with increasing Gd content up to x = 0.5, and then decreased with a further increase in Gd content. The purest red color was obtained for the (Y0.5Gd0.5)(0.94)Eu0.06VO4 phosphors. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.