Structural study, 31P NMR and europium photoluminescence properties of a new synthetic fillowite-type phosphate: Na3SrMg11(PO4)9

A new phosphate compound, Na3SrMg11(PO4)9 was synthesized as single crystals by flux method and as powdered sample by Pechini technique and investigated by X-ray diffraction, 31P NMR and photoluminescence spectroscopies. This compound crystallizes in the rhombohedral space group R and its equivalent hexagonal cell has the following parameters: a = 14.941(1) Ǻ, c = 42.478(2) Ǻ and Z = 12. The structure consisted of MgOx (x = 5,6), NaOx (x = 6,7) and (Na,Sr)Ox (x = 8,9) polyhedra which are linked either directly through common corners, edges and faces and by means of the PO4 tetrahedra via common corners and edges, giving rise to a three-dimensional framework, similar to that of the fillowite-like structure. 31P NMR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of six distinct phosphors sites in the structure. Finally, strontium was partially substitute by divalent europium in order to examine whether this material could be used in optical applications. Optical studies were performed on the Na3Sr0.98Eu2+0.02Mg11(PO4)9 compound. The photoluminescence are consistent with the crystal structural and show various properties as a function of the excitation wavelength