Structures and Photophysical Characterization of the Samarium-doped Y2Mo3O12 Ceramics

Abstract

Negative thermal expansion materials have been studied in various types of functional materials regardless of their intriguing physical properties. In this study, by introducing Sm 3+ ions into the Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 lattice, the hygroscopicity is reduced. Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 :xSm 3+ (x = 0.000 ~ 0.300) have been synthesized by using the solid-state reaction method, and their structures have been studied by using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, and nano-SIMS. It is found that the Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 :Sm 3+ is formed in the orthorhombic [Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 ] phase for lower Sm 3+ concentrations and samarium molybdates [Sm 2 MoO 5 ] and [Sm 2 Mo 3 O 12 ] at higher Sm 3+ concentration samples. Elemental distribution images captured by using a nano-SIMS confirm the existence of [Sm 2 MoO 5 ] and [Sm 2 Mo 3 O 12 ] phases clearly. Additional phases due to the introducing of Sm 3+ ions confirm the reduction of atmospheric moisture. Photophysical properties obtained by using absorption and emission spectra reveal that the hygroscopicity-reduced Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 :Sm 3+ can be a possible orange-red-emitting phosphor with the near ultra-violet excitation.