Synthesis of Y2O3:Eu3+ micro- and nanophosphors by sol-gel process

Abstract

In this paper, optical properties of Y2O3:Eu 3+ micro- and nanophosphors synthesized by sol-gel process are reported. Citric acid and tartaric acid were employed as chelating agents. Different factors effecting structures and properties of the phosphors, such as concentration of Eu3+, sintered temperature and the ratio of metal ions to tartaric acid, were examined. Crystal structure of the particles was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The results showed that the phosphor powders completely crystallized at 600°C. Morphology and particle size of the phosphors were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The particle size of the obtained phosphors varied from 1 to 6 μm (using citric acid as chelating agent) and from 20 to 30 nm (using tartaric acid as chelating agent). Photoluminescence measurements of the Y2O3:Eu3+ particles showed red emission peaks at 610 -612 nm (5D07F 2). The optimal molar concentration to obtain the highest photoluminescent intensity for the phosphors was 7% of Eu3+. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.