Synthesis of Gd3PO7:Eu3+ nanospheres via a facile combustion method and optical properties

Eu3+-doped Gd3PO7 nanospheres with an average diameter of ∼300 nm and a narrow size distribution have been prepared by a facile combustion method and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The luminescent properties were systemically studied by the measurement of excitation/emission spectra, and emission spectra under different temperatures, as well as by photostability. The strong red-emission intensity peaking at 614 nm originates the 5D0→7F2 transition and is observed under 254-nm irradiation, indicating that Eu3+ ions in Gd3PO7 mainly occupied non-centrosymmetry sites. The CIE1931 XY chromaticity coordinates of Gd3PO7:Eu3+ nanospheres are (x=0.654, y=0.345) in the red area, which is near the National Television Standard Committee standard chromaticity coordinates for red. Thus, Gd3PO7:Eu3+ nanospheres may be potential red-emitting phosphors for PDP and Xe-based mercury-free lamps.