Synthesis of y ₂O ₃:Eu phosphor nanoparticles by flame spray pyrolysis

Nanoscale europium doped yttrium oxide (Y ₂O ₃:Eu) particles synthesized by flame spray pyrolysis method and the effect of precursor solution on particle size, morphology and photoluminescence intensity was studied. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared particles were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photoluminescence (PL) intensity was measured by a spectrophotometer. Conpared 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. Annealing particles at 1200°C can convert the monoclinic phase into cubic phase. The concentration quenching limit of the prepared particles was 18% mol Eu.