4 - Synthesis of rare-earth-activated phosphors

Abstract

Rare-earth-activated phosphors are widely used these days in various optoelectronic devices, displays, bio-sensors, scintillators, and cathode-ray tubes. These phosphors are synthesized by various synthesis routes such as solid-state method, hydro(solvo)thermal, combustion synthesis, coprecipitation, sol–gel method, electro-spinning, and laser ablation method. The synthesis route has a great influence on the luminescent properties of rare-earth-activated materials. Thus, the knowledge of the synthesis route and its consequences are necessary for the fabrication of phosphors for practical applications. This chapter is fundamentally divided into three sections. The first section illustrates the introduction of various synthesis routes and highlights the precursors, solvents, temperatures, and other synthesis conditions. Then, the effect of various factors affecting the synthesis routes is discussed. The last section is devoted to the different structures fabricated by the synthesis routes, followed by mentioning the prospectives for the advancements in the synthesis routes.