Studies on morphology and photoluminescent properties of Tb3+ doped YbPO4 nanostructures synthesized by different synthetic methods

Abstract

The morphology dependent optical properties of Tb3+ in YbPO4 host lattice have been investigated. 10 % Terbium doped ytterbium phosphate (YbPO4:Tb3+) nanostructures (NSs) were synthesized by five different synthetic methods i.e. sonochemical method, hydrothermal method, solvothermal method, sacrificial template method and coprecipitation method. Structural facets and optical properties of fabricated nanoparticles were studied in detail by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. We have investigated the impact of synthetic procedures employed on the morphology and uniformity of synthesized NSs and consequently on the optical properties of the NSs. The intense green emission from the nanophosphor shows that phosphor can be used in IR-sensors, LEDs and as solar spectrum converters.