Synthesis, microstructure and photoluminescence of Eu3+/Tb3+ activated Y2SiO5 nanophosphors by new silicate sources

Y2−xTbxSiO5 and Y2−xEuxSiO5 nanophosphors with seven different kinds of silicate sources were synthesized by sol–gel method. The structures have been investigated to be composed of nanometer-size grains of 30–60 nm through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to compare the different morphology of patterns from seven different silicon sources. The photoluminescence of Y2−xTbxSiO5 was investigated as a function of silicate sources and the results revealed that these nanometer materials showed the characteristic emission 5D4 → 7FJ (J = 6, 5, 4, 3) of Tb ions. The characteristic emission 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 1, 2, 4) of Eu ions was also found in the materials of Y2−xEuxSiO5.