Microstructure and photoluminescent properties of Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphors synthesised by precipitation and combustion methods

Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphors were prepared by NH4HCO3 based precipitation method and C2H5NO2-nitrate solution combustion synthesis method respectively. The phosphors were systematically investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (XPS) and fluorescence spectrometer. Luminescent properties of Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphors synthesised by two different methods were also compared. The results show that Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphor prepared by precipitation technique is spherical with nanometre particle size from 55 to 60 nm, whereas the one synthesised by combustion technique exhibits extensive sheet porosity structure. X-ray diffraction spectra indicate that both of the samples have pure cubic phases and the crystallinity of phosphor synthesised by combustion technique is improved. The main emission peaks of Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphors at 613 nm are due to the D-5(0)-F-7(2) transition of Eu3+ ions, and phosphor obtained by precipitation method shows higher emission intensity. The results reveal that Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphor with spherical particle shape can exhibit good luminescent properties and morphology of Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphor is a more crucial factor than crystal structure to the enhanced luminescence.