Abstract
In this report, structure, morphology and luminescence of Y2O3:Sm3+ nanoparticles prepared by self-propagating room temperature reaction are presented. This new, simple and cost effective synthesis allows obtaining desired phase composition by mixing appropriate amounts of yttrium and samarium nitrates together with sodium hydroxide. A set of samples is prepared with different Sm3+ concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 at %) in order to observe changes of luminescence properties. Also, effects of post synthesis annealing at several temperatures (600?C, 800?C and 1100?C) are analyzed. For all samples X-ray diffraction showed that powders have cubic bixbyite structure (Ia-3), and TEM analysis showed particles of less than 100 nm. Luminescence emission spectra clearly show peaks characteristic for electronic spin-forbidden transition of Sm3+ ions 4G5/2?6H5/2, 6H7/2 and 6H9/2 centered at 578, 607 and 654 nm, respectively. Emission lifetime values decrease with Sm3+ ion concentration increment, from 1.94 ms for 0.1 at% to 0.97 ms for 2 at%. In addition, enlargement of lifetime value is observed when thermal treatment is done at the highest temperature due to the elimination of luminescence quenching species from the surface of particles.
Highlights
In a past few decades, phosphor materials have become highly significant because of their wide application in various optoelectronic devices [1]
The powders obtain via self-propagating room temperature (SPRT) method exhibit cubic crystal structure, with space group Ia-3, that corresponds to the Y2O3 (PDF 00-025-1200)
Powders of yttrium oxide doped with different Sm3+ concentration and thermally treated at various temperatures were successfully prepared by SPRT method
Summary
In a past few decades, phosphor materials have become highly significant because of their wide application in various optoelectronic devices [1]. Yttriumoxide (Y2O3) is due to its low vibrational energy, optical band transparency (0.20-8 μm), large refractive index (> 1.9), high energy band gap (5.8 eV), high melting point (2450 °C) and high phonons frequency, which favors the radiation emission and prevents non-radiation relaxation excitation levels, excellent choice for host material [6] It facilitates easy rareearth ion substitution and enables luminescent characteristics of a high efficiency. Oxide-based phosphors were prepared using solid-state reaction method which includes a mechanical mixing of precursor oxides followed by a ball-milling and calcination [8] This kind of procedure at high processing temperature leads to the nonhomogeneity of a sample, wide size distribution and imprecise control of cation stoichiometry.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
