Synthesis, crystal growth, phase transformation and photoluminescence properties of GdVO4:Eu3+ micro-rods by a high-energy ball milling method

Abstract

GdVO₄ micro-rods were synthesized using a high-energy ball (HEB) milling method without other chemicals or solvents. The powder samples were sintered in the air at 350, 400, 450, 500, 550 and 600 °C for 5 h to form polycrystalline GdVO₄ micro-rods. The effects of the processing parameters on the crystallinity, morphology and structure were examined by X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy and TEM. The results showed that the rate of GdVO₄ rod formation from NaGdV₂O₇ increased with increasing sintering temperature. The luminescent properties have been carried out by the measurement of their excitation and emission spectra. Overall, high-energy ball (HEB) milling is a promising method for preparing GdVO₄ with a rod-like morphology.