Sol–gel Synthesis and Upconversion Luminescent Properties of Yb3+,Er3+,Eu3+ Triply-Doped in YVO4 Phosphors

Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ ,Eu 3+ triply-doped in YVO 4 with varying molar ratio of Er/Eu were synthesized in a sol–gel method with a subsequent heat treatment for the first time. The optimal molar ratio of Er/Eu for the maximum energy transfer efficiency was 1/39. After molar ratio, the influences of different heat treatment temperatures were also researched and the maximal heat temperature was 1300 °C. Besides, the properties of YVO 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ ,Eu 3+ upconversion phosphors were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and photo luminescent spectra, respectively. In sum, XRD results indicate the crystal structure of as-prepared samples, which is the tetragonal phase of YVO 4 with no other diffraction peaks. SEM images show the morphology of as-prepared samples, which are granular-like nanoparticles. PL spectra demonstrate the upconversion luminescence of as-prepared samples, which emit strong green lights (at 525 nm, 550 nm) and slight red lights (at 590 nm, 615 nm, 695 nm) under the NIR irradiation at 980 nm. Two strong green emissions are attributed to the 2 H 11/2 → 4 I 15/2 and 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 transitions of Er 3+ ions. Meanwhile, three slight red emissions are attributed to the 5 D 0 → 7 F 1 , 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 and 5 D 0 → 7 F 4 transitions of Eu 3+ ions. All in all, the colorful emissions endow YVO 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ ,Eu 3+ phosphors great potential for some applications, such as display devices, bio-labeling and infrared detection.