Europium-doped yttrium silicate nanophosphors prepared by flame synthesis

Europium-doped yttrium silicate (Y₂SiO₅:Eu³⁺) nanophosphors were successfully synthesized by flame spray pyrolysis method. The effect of silicon concentration on the crystal structure and morphology of the Y₂SiO₅:Eu³⁺ phosphors were investigated. As-prepared phosphor consists of spherical nanoparticles with filled morphology, high crystallinity, narrow size distribution, and intense photoluminescence. The crystal structure and photoluminescence intensity of Y₂SiO₅:Eu³⁺ nanophosphors are strongly affected by the ratio of silicon to yttrium in the precursor solution, and the maximum photoluminescence intensity is obtained from particles prepared from the silicon to yttrium ratio of 1.25. A concentration quenching limit is observed at 30 mol% Eu of yttrium. The photoluminescence intensity also increases with the increase of the concentration of precursor solution. This work demonstrates the advantages of flame spray pyrolysis method for the preparation of multi-component nanophosphor, which can be found potential application in lamp and display industries.