Green light activated red luminescence from Y2O3: Eu3+ nanophosphors

Abstract

The variation of photoluminescence properties of Y1.95Eu0.05O3 nanophosphors, synthesised by the sol-gel combustion technique has been investigated by changing the concentration of the fuel. X-ray diffraction and the Raman spectroscopic studies confirm the bcc bixbyite structure of samples with space group Ia3. EDX analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal the chemical composition. The significantly high luminescence intensity observed for these red phosphors when excited by green (533 nm) wavelength suggests their possible applications in light conversion technology. Highly intense emission with color coordinates (0.67, 0.33), color temperature of 2255 K, and color purity of 95% have been observed for the optimum sample when excited with 533 nm. The life time of 1.704 ms, obtained from luminescence decay curve analysis and the quantum efficiency of 88%, calculated by Judd- Ofelt analysis distinguish the emission properties of the nanomaterial.

Keywords

• Sol-gel combustion
• Red phosphor
• Raman spectroscopy
• Yttria
• Europium
• Judd-Ofelt analysis