Photoluminescence properties of NaGd(MoO4)2:Eu3+ nanophosphors prepared by sol–gel method

NaGd(MoO4)2:Eu3+ (hereafter NGM:Eu) phosphors have been prepared by sol–gel method. The properties of the resulting phosphors are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and decay curve. The excitation spectra of NGM:Eu phosphors are mainly attributed to O → Mo charge-transfer (CT) band at about 282 nm and some sharp lines of Eu3+ f–f transitions in near-UV and visible regions with two strong peaks at 395 and 465 nm, respectively. Under the 395 and 465 nm excitation, intense red emission peaked at 616 nm corresponding to 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+ are observed for 35 at.% NGM:Eu phosphors as the optimal doping concentration. The luminescence properties suggest that NGM:Eu phosphor may be regarded as a potential red phosphor candidate for near-UV and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs).