Synthesis and luminescent properties of LaInO 3: RE 3+ (RE = Sm, Pr and Tb) nanocrystalline phosphors for field emission displays

Abstract

LaInO 3: Sm 3+, LaInO 3: Pr 3+ and LaInO 3: Tb 3+ phosphors were prepared through a Pechini-type sol–gel process. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra were utilized to characterize the synthesized phosphors. XRD results reveal that the pure LaInO 3 phase can also be obtained at 700 °C. FE-SEM images indicate that the LaInO 3: Sm 3+, LaInO 3: Pr 3+ and LaInO 3: Tb 3+ phosphors are composed of aggregated spherical particles with sizes around 80–120 nm. Under the excitation of ultraviolet light and low voltage electron beams (1–5 kV), the LaInO 3: Sm 3+, LaInO 3: Pr 3+ and LaInO 3: Tb 3+ phosphors show the characteristic emissions of Sm 3+ ( 4G 5/2– 6H 5/2,7/2,9/2 transitions, yellow), Pr 3+ ( 3P 0– 3H 4, 3P 1– 3H 5, 1D 2– 3H 4 and 3P 0– 3F 2 transitions, blue–green) and Tb 3+ ( 5D 4– 7F 6,5,4,3 transitions, green) respectively. The corresponding luminescence mechanisms are discussed. These phosphors have potential applications in field emission displays.