Effect of Tb 3+ concentration on luminous properties of Y 0.92-x PO 4 :0.08Ce, x Tb microparticles

Abstract Uniform Y 0.92- x PO 4 :0.08Ce, x Tb microparticles were fabricated by hydrothermal method, and their structural and luminous properties were characterized. SEM and TEM images confirmed the existence of clavate and prismatic microparticles, with a good lattice structure. XRD analysis showed a pure tetragonal phase of the samples. The growth mechanism and the function of sodium citrate (Na 3 C 6 H 5 O 7 ·2H 2 O, Na 3 Cit) on the morphology and size of Y 0.92- x PO 4 :0.08Ce, x Tb microparticles were discussed. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicated that the Ce 3+ /Tb 3+ co-doped YPO 4 exhibits a strong green illumination under the long-wave ultraviolet (UV) excitation. What’s More, the PL spectra, decay time and quantum efficiency with different doped concentration of Tb 3+ were discussed.