Facile combustion-derived LaPO₄:EU³⁺ nanosystem and its photoluminescence properties

LaPO₄ nanosystem doped with trivalent europium is synthesized by facile, time-efficient and economical combustion synthesis method and the photoluminescent properties have been studied. The as-synthesized nanosystem is subjected to X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescent properties. The Debye-Scherrer formula and Williamson-Hall plot reveal the nanocrystalline structure of the system, which is confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images. The photoluminescence emission spectra at different temperatures reveal the intense orange-red color attributed to ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ transition of EU³⁺. The large lifetimes in the present nanosystem can possibly be attributed to more radiative relaxation caused by surface defects, which can eventually act as luminescent centers. This is the effect of increased surface area of the nanocrystalline material, where more defects are created at the surface. Thus, Lanthanum orthophosphate nanosystem doped with trivalent europium having the orange-red color richness and the larger lifetimes are suitable for potential applications in displays and lights, where high lifetimes are required. (author)