Y2Si2O7:Eu/SiO2 core shell phosphor particles prepared by flame spray pyrolysis

Abstract

This paper reports the synthesis of core shell phosphor particles (Y2Si2O7:Eu/SiO2) produced by flame spray pyrolysis with yttrium and europium nitrates and colloidal silica dispersed precursor solutions. Particles of various structures were produced, including heterogeneous, core shell and non-spherical core shell particles, depending on the synthesis conditions; the ideal core shell structure was obtained under the highest flame temperature and high silicon concentration in the precursor solution. Based on the phase diagram, the formation of the core shell structure was caused by the separation of each component at the liquid phase in the synthesis route. In the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, yttrium could be detected only at the core part of the particle, while silicon and oxygen could be detected at both the shell and core parts. Under ultraviolet excitation, the ideal core shell particles of Y2Si2O7:Eu showed photoluminescent characteristics. Consequently, it could be concluded that Y2Si2O7:Eu/SiO2 core shell phosphor particles were successfully synthesized by flame spray pyrolysis.