Solid-state synthesis, characterization and luminescent properties of Eu-doped gadolinium tungstate and molybdate phosphors: Gd(2−x)MO6:Eux (M=W, Mo)

Red phosphors gadolinium tungstate and molybdate with the formula Gd_(2−x)MO₆:Eu_x³⁺ (M=Mo, W) were successfully synthesized by the solid-state reaction at 900 and 1300 °C for 4 h, respectively. The products were characterized by an X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), TG-DSC, FT-IR, PL, UV-vis and SEM. Room-temperature photoluminescence indicated that the as-prepared Gd_(2−x)MO₆:Eu_x³⁺ (M=Mo, W) had a strong red emission, which is due to the characteristic transitions of Eu³⁺ (⁵D₀→⁷F_J, J=0, 1, 2, 3, 4) for these phosphors. Meanwhile, the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ is in the dominant position. The emission quantum efficiency of Eu³⁺ in the Gd_(2−x)MO₆:Eu_x³⁺ (M=Mo, W) system has been investigated. The XRD results indicate that both Gd₂WO₆ and Gd₂MoO₆ belong to the monoclinic system with space group C2/c A. Bril, G. Blasse, J. Chem. Phys. 45 (1966) 2350-2356] and I2/a A. Bril, G. Blasse, J. Chem. Phys. 45 (1966) 2350-2356], respectively. SEM images indicate that the shape of Gd_1.96WO₆:Eu_0.04³⁺ is aggregated small particles with a mean diameter of about 300 nm, and the shape of Gd_1.96MoO₆:Eu_0.04³⁺ is block-like structures.