Synthesis and photoluminescence in LiTi₂ (PO₄)₃:Eu3+, Tb3+ phosphor prepared by solid state metathesis

A series of singly and co-doped LiTi 2 (PO[Formula: see text]:Eu[Formula: see text], Tb[Formula: see text] phosphors prepared by solid state metathesis (SSM) was reported the first time. The X-Ray diffraction (XRD) verified that the as-prepared materials exhibit a pure rhombohedral phase with a space group of P2 1 /m. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and elemental mapping confirm the morphology and constituents of elements. The LiTi 2 (PO[Formula: see text]:Eu[Formula: see text] shows 614[Formula: see text]nm red emission obtained due to the 5 D[Formula: see text]L 6 transition under 393[Formula: see text]nm excitation and the Tb[Formula: see text] doped sample gives 546[Formula: see text]nm green emission ascribed to 5 D[Formula: see text]F 5 for excitation of 376[Formula: see text]nm. The luminescence properties of Eu[Formula: see text]/Tb[Formula: see text] doped LiTi 2 (PO[Formula: see text] phosphors excited under a UV source were investigated and the relative mechanism was analyzed. Upon excitation by 393[Formula: see text]nm, the LiTi 2 (PO[Formula: see text]:Eu x Tb y phosphor has the capability to generate vivid green, yellow and red emissions, with color tunability achieved through the modulation of dopant ion concentrations. Color chromaticity of LiTi 2 (PO[Formula: see text]:Eu[Formula: see text]Tb[Formula: see text] gives at [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]K. The proposed simple, low-cost, nontoxic and rapid synthesis route of phosphate-based compounds will lead the way to access these LiTi 2 (PO[Formula: see text]:Eu[Formula: see text]/Tb[Formula: see text] phosphors for potential applications in w-light-emitting diodes and plasma display panel.