Concentration series of Sm3+-doped YVO4 nanoparticles: Structural, luminescence and thermal properties

Abstract Here, we report features of YVO4:Sm3+ nanocrystalline powders prepared via modified Pechini technique. Doping concentration effect on structural and luminescence properties has been studied in detail. XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirmed synthesis of single phase nanoparticles with no additional phase. SEM images showed that prepared nanophosphors have average size of 60 nm. Emission and excitation spectra of Sm3+-doped YVO4 nanocrystalline powders consisted of the characteristic lines corresponding to the intra-configurational f-f transitions dominated by electric dipole 4G5/2–6H9/2 transition. The optimal Sm3+ doping concentration was found to be dependent on excitation mechanism. Concentration quenching in YVO4:Sm3+ nanophosphors occurred via dipole–dipole interaction regardless of the excitation. Temperature effect on emission spectrum was investigated in terms of luminescence intensity and chromaticity coordinates. YVO4:Sm3+ nanoparticles have potential application in ratiometric luminescence thermometry. 4G5/2 lifetime gradually declined along with increase of Sm3+ ions amount.