Combustion synthesis and photoluminescence properties of europium doped yttrium oxide nanoparticles

Europium doped yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃:Eu) nano particles were synthesized by flame spray pyrolysis method and the effect of precursor solution on particle size, morphology and photoluminescence properties was studied. The particles were examined by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and spectrophotometer. Compared with previous report, SEM shows fine and smooth structure for particles prepared from ethanol alcohol as precursor solution. The particle size can be controlled by varying precursor concentration, flame temperature and residence time. Upon excitation with 355 nm UV light, the particles show red emission and the PL intensity of particles using ethanol is 30% stronger than those using water as precursor solution. XRD spectra showed that the as prepared particles have a monoclinic structure, while annealing the particles at 1200 °C convert monoclinic phase into cubic phase. The concentration quenching limit of the particles was found at 18% mol Eu.