Photoluminescent Properties of Nanostructured Y2O3:Eu3+ Powders obtained through Aerosol Synthesis Articles uri icon

publication date

  • November 2010

start page

  • 1606

end page

  • 1611

issue

  • 12

volume

  • 32

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0925-3467

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1873-1252

abstract

  • Red emitting Y2O3:Eu3+ (5 and 10 at.%) submicronic particles were synthesized through ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method from the pure nitrate solutions at 900 °C. The employed
    synthesis conditions (gradual increase of temperature within triple
    zone reactor and extended residence time) assured formation of
    spherical, dense, non-agglomerated particles that are nanostructured (crystallite size ∼20 nm). The as-prepared powders were additionally thermally treated at temperatures up to 1200 °C. A bcc Ia-3
    cubic phase presence and exceptional powder morphological features were
    maintained with heating and are followed with particle structural
    changes (crystallite growth up to 130 nm). Emission spectra were studied
    after excitation with 393 nm wavelength and together with the decay
    lifetimes for Eu3+ ion 5D0 and 5D1 levels revealed the effect of powder nanocrystalline nature on its luminescent properties. The emission spectra showed typical Eu3+5D0 → 7Fi (i = 0,
    1, 2, 3, 4) transitions with dominant red emission at 611 nm, while the
    lifetime measurements revealed the quenching effect with the rise of
    dopant concentration and its more consistent distribution into host
    lattice due to the thermal treatment.