Microwave synthesis and luminescence properties of YVO4:Eu3+

Europium-doped YVO4 phosphors have been synthesized using microwave radiation of 700 W power. The uniformity and high rate of microwave heating, as well as “nonthermal” effects of microwave radiation, considerably accelerate the decomposition of precursors and YVO4:Eu3+ synthesis. The europium concentration was varied from 1 to 8 at %. The luminescence intensity of YVO4:Eu3+ was shown to depend on Eu3+ concentration, with a maximum at 8 at % Eu3+. According to transmission electron microscopy data, the synthesized phosphors consist of nanoparticles 6 to 8 nm in size, with an appreciable degree of agglomeration.