Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of LaPO4:Ce3+, Tb3+ nanophosphors by microwave-assisted co-precipitation method at low temperature

Nanosized green phosphor LaPO4:Ce3+, Tb3+ has been synthesized by microwave-assisted co-precipitation method. The morphology, crystal structure and photoluminescence properties have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The lanthanum phosphate phosphors with monoclinic crystal structure and fine crystallinity and dispersibility were synthesized at 900°C for 1 h and the particle size of the phosphors is ∼ 100 nm. The strongest photoluminescence emission peak is located at 543 nm due to the (5D4→7F5) transition of Tb3+ ion. The experimental results indicate that nanosized green phosphor 40% Ce3+ and 20% Tb3+ doped LaPO4 synthesized by microwave-assisted co-precipitation method is a beneficial phosphor for high resolution display devices.