Preparation and photoluminescence properties of euxenite-type YNbTiO6 and YNbTiO6:xRE3+, yMn2+ (RE = Er, Dy) micro/nanophosphors

YNbTiO6 and YNbTiO6:xRE3+, yMn2+ (RE = Er, Dy) micro/nanophosphors have been synthesized by a modified sol–gel combustion method. Luminescence properties and relevant luminescence mechanisms of Er3+, Dy3+, and Mn2+-doped or co-doped YNbTiO6 phosphors were investigated. Mn2+ ions can act as effective luminescent centers in YNbTiO6:Mn2+ samples. The dipole–dipole interaction is evaluated to be the predominant energy transfer mechanism for both YNbTiO6:Er3+ and YNbTiO6:Dy3+ phosphors. The strongest emission peaks centered at 554 and 575 nm are derived from the 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+ and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 transition of Dy3+, respectively. The enhanced emissions of YNbTiO6:0.03Er3+, yMn2+ and YNbTiO6:0.04Dy3+, yMn2+ phosphors can be ascribed to the effective Mn2+ → Er3+ and Mn2+ → Dy3+ energy transfer processes, indicating that the co-doped phosphors could be the potential candidates for use in various optical devices.