Crystal phase, morphology evolution and luminescence properties of Eu³⁺‐doped BiPO₄ phosphor prepared using the hydrothermal method

Abstract

A series of Bi1‐xEuxPO4 phosphors was successfully prepared using an easy citric acid‐ assisted hydrothermal method. The effects of synthesis temperature, amount of citric acid, and Eu3+ concentration on the crystal phase, morphology, and luminescence properties were investigated. X‐ray diffraction results revealed that BiPO4:Eu3+ formed a hexagonal phase at 80°C, although it transformed to a monoclinic phase when the hydrothermal temperature was increased to 160°C. Moreover, it was found that a small amount of Eu3+ doping and the addition of citric acid introduced no secondary or related phases. The morphologies of the samples varied from nanoparticles to spherical microparticles to polyhedrons after the synthesis temperature was adjusted. Particle size was controlled by adding different amounts of citric acid. Under 394 nm excitation, the Bi0.95Eu0.05PO4 phosphor prepared at 160°C with 0.3 g of citric acid had excellent luminescence properties. A possible crystal growth mechanism during this reaction is proposed.

Visible light responsive heterostructure HTDMA-BiPO4 modified clays for effective diclofenac sodium oxidation: Role of interface interactions and basal spacing

“…At the same time, creative and yet-to-be-devised approaches to fix its drawbacks are needed to benefit from this promising photocatalyst for its use in photocatalytic wastewater treatment. Several approaches have been already reported to enhance the adsorption ability and visible light response of BiPO4 such as doping [20][21][22], heterojunction systems [23][24][25], oxygen vacancy [26][27][28][29], phase junction [30][31][32], and combination with π-conjugated materials [33][34][35].…”