Y2SiO5:Tb phosphor particles prepared from colloidal and aqueous solutions by spray pyrolysis

Abstract

Green-emitting Y2SiO5:Tb phosphor particles with fine size, spherical shape, filled morphology, high crystallinity, and good brightness were synthesized by a spray pyrolysis process. The effect of silicon precursor type on the morphology, crystal structure, crystallinity, and photoluminescence efficiency of Y2SiO5:Tb phosphor particles was investigated. The particles prepared from an artificial colloidal solution obtained by dispersing fumed silica particles had a pure monoclinic X2 crystalline phase, which is more appropriate for application to displays, after post-treatment at 1300 °C. On the other hand, the particles prepared from 100% tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) reagent had an X2 phase and small amounts of X1 and impurity phases such as Y2Si2O7 and Y4.67Si3O13 due to the phase-segregation characteristics of the TEOS precursor. The photoluminescence characteristics of Y2SiO5:Tb phosphor particles were strongly affected by the silicon source used. The photoluminescence intensities increased with the fumed silica/TEOS ratio. The particles prepared from 100% fumed silica showed the maximum photoluminescence intensity, which is 22% higher than that of particles prepared from 100% TEOS.