Use of LiCl flux in the preparation of Y2O3:Eu phosphor particles by spray pyrolysis

The effect of LiCl flux on the luminescence characteristics, crystallinity and morphology of Y2O3:Eu phosphor particles was investigated. The maximum PL intensity of particles directly prepared at 1300 degreesC from solution with LiCl flux was 50% higher than that of particles prepared from solution without flux. The PL intensities of particles prepared at 700 and 900 degreesC from flux solution were 200 and 134% of those of particles prepared from solution without flux at the same preparation temperatures. Activation of Eu dopant was fully occurred even at 700 degreesC when LiCl flux was used while high temperature above 1100 degreesC was required without flux. LiCl flux played an important role of improving activation degree of Eu dopant into Y2O3 host and reducing defects of particles. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.