Synthesis of high efficient nanosized Y(V,P)O₄:Eu³⁺ red phosphors by a new technique

A new synthesis technique (liquid-phase precursor method) has been employed to synthesize nanosized Y(V,P)O₄:Eu³⁺ red phosphor particles of size 10-35 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the synthesis of single phase Y(V,P)O₄:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles with tetragonal structure. The surface treatment with the KOH ionic solution at room temperature enhanced the grain growth (40-70 nm) of the nanoparticles. The possible grain growth mechanism is explained on the basis of formation of more OH^- groups in the solid solution after KOH introduction. The photoluminescence spectra obtained from the nanophosphors showed strong red luminescence due to ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_2,4 forced electric dipole transition. The luminescence intensity of the KOH-treated nanophosphors is comparable (about 70%) with the commercial sample.