Photoluminescence properties of NaGd(MoO4)2:Eu 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).