Optimization red emission of SrMoO₄: Eu³⁺ via hydro-thermal co-precipitation synthesis using orthogonal experiment

In the present study, the $SrMoO_4:Eu^{3+}$ phosphors has been synthesized through hydro-thermal co-precipitation method, and single factor and orthogonal experiment method was adopted to find optimal synthesis condition. It is interesting to note that hydro-thermal temperature is a prominent effect on the luminescent intensity of $SrMoO_4:Eu^{3+}$ red phosphor, followed by co-precipitation temperature, calcining time, and the doping amount of $Eu^{3+}$. The optimal synthesis conditions were obtained: hydro-thermal temperature is $145^{\circ}C$, co-precipitation temperature is $35^{\circ}C$, the calcining time is 2.5 h, and the doping amount of activator $Eu^{3+}$ is 25%. Subsequently, the crystalline particle size, phase composition and morphology of the synthesized phosphors were evaluated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that these phosphors possess a scheelite-type tetragonal structure, and the particle size is about $0.2{\mu}m$. Spectroscopic investigations of the synthesized phosphors are carried out with the help of photo-luminescence excitation and emission analysis. The studies reveal that $SrMoO_4:Eu^{3+}$ phosphor efficiently convert radiation of 394 nm-592 and 616 nm for red light, and the luminescence intensity of $SrMoO_4:Eu^{3+}$ phosphors is improved. $SrMoO_4:Eu^{3+}$ phosphors may be a potential application for enhancing the efficiency of white LEDs.