Lanthanide-Doped Orthometallate Phosphors

Abstract In this chapter, an overview of the various phosphors based on lanthanide-doped orthometallates such as molybdates, tungstates, vanadates, and phosphates will be presented. The chapter will comprise their synthesis, characterization, and luminescence properties as well as other multifunctional characteristics. With advancing methods and tools available for fabrication and characterization of multifunctional nanoparticles, the role of luminescent phosphor nanoparticles has been increased tremendously. Both upconversion and downconversion phosphors obtained from lanthanide-doped orthometallates have been reported to find potential applications in lighting and display devices as well as biological imaging and drug delivery. Further, orthometallates are highly useful as photocatalysts for removal/degradation of dyes and hydrogen generation. The possible outcomes of the studies on such luminescent system for an extended application will be highlighted to enhance and broaden the field of research in such orthometallates.