Self-luminescence properties of Zn₃(VO₄)₂ phosphors and the effect of Eu³⁺ ions doping

A series of Eu³⁺-doped self-activated Zn₃(VO₄)₂ (x = 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 mol%) phosphors have been successfully synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples were measured, indicating the successful formation of phosphors with orthorhombic crystal structure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the morphology and particle size of the prepared samples, and the composition was analysed by energy X-ray dispersion technique. In addition, prepared samples were analysed by characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). The PL properties of prepared samples show green–red emission at 395 nm excitation and strong red emission at 467 nm excitation. Under 395 nm excitation, PL emission shows broad green emission band due to self-luminescence properties of vanadate ions. With the doping of Eu³⁺ ions, (VO₄)^3– ions transfer their energy to Eu³⁺ ions. The highest red emission intensity was observed in 8 mol% Eu³⁺ concentration. The CIE spectral coordinates and colour-correlated temperature of the as-prepared Zn₃(VO₄)₂:Eu³⁺ phosphors were studied in detail at various Eu³⁺ concentrations. The obtained PL results demonstrate that the as-prepared Zn₃(VO₄)₂:Eu³⁺ phosphors can be investigated as green–orange–red emitting phosphors in the future for white light-emitting diodes applications.