Solvothermal synthesis of raspberry-like YVO4:Eu nanoparticles in methanol-water system

Abstract

YVO4:Eu nanoparticles with controllable size were successfully fabricated by the original solvothermal method at 300°C for 3 hours employing methanol-water solution. The effect of the solution pH on size and morphology of the YVO4:Eu particles was examined. SEM micrographs have revealed that the powders are composed of raspberry-like particles with a diameter of 250-450 nm that are comprised by the primary spherical particles in the range of 14-20 nm. The sizes of the primary particles decrease with the increase of pH. Post-annealing at 1000°C improved the luminescence intensity of the YVO4:Eu red phosphor, whereas the raspberry-like shapes of the powders prepared in acidic solutions have retained. The powders prepared under basic conditions experienced considerable sintering.