GdPO4:Tb phosphor particles prepared by spray pyrolysis from the polymeric spray solution

Abstract

Fine-sized Gd0.81Tb0.19PO4 phosphor particles with spherical shape, dense inner structure and narrow size distribution were prepared by spray pyrolysis. The morphologies and size distribution of the particles prepared by spray pyrolysis were affected by the types of spray solution. The Gd0.81Tb0.19PO4 phosphor particles obtained from the aqueous spray solution had hollow inner structure and bimodal size distribution. However, the Gd0.81Tb0.19PO4 phosphor particles obtained from the polymeric spray solutions with citric acid and polyethylene glycol had dense inner structure and narrow size distribution. The mean size of the particles obtained from the aqueous spray solution was 1.3 μm. On the other hand, the mean size of the particles obtained from the polymeric spray solution with citric acid and polyethylene glycol was 0.8 μm. The Gd0.81Tb0.19PO4 phosphor particles obtained from the polymeric spray solution with citric acid and polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) had higher photoluminescence intensity under vacuum ultraviolet light than that of the phosphor particles obtained from the aqueous spray solution.