Influence of P-doping on the morphologies and photoluminescence properties of LaVO4:Tb3+ nanostructures

LaP1−xVxO4:Tb3+ nanostructures including polyhedral nanocrystals and nanorods, have been synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method in the absence of any surfactant. The influences of synthetic parameters, such as the molar ratios of P and V, and pH values in the reaction system, on the morphologies and crystal structures of LaP1−xVxO4:Tb3+ nanostructures have been investigated. The lattice constants of LaP1−xVxO4:Tb3+ nanostructures are decreased compared with pure LaVO4, and the shapes of LaP1−xVxO4:Tb3+ can be changed from irregular microparticles to polyhedral nanocrystals and nanorods after the introduction of P in to LaVO4 lattice. Photoluminescence spectra show that the photoluminescence properties of LaP1−xVxO4:Tb3+ nanostructures are enhanced strongly with the help of substituting P for V in comparison with the pure LaVO4:Tb3+.