Preparation of Nanocrystal Y_2O_3:Eu by the EDTA Complexing Sol-Gel Method

Nanocrystal Y_2O_3:Eu was synthesized by the EDTA complexing sol-gel method at lower temperature using metal nitrate and EDTA as raw materials, the synthesis condition was optimized. The pyrolytic decomposition mechanism of the gel, formation process of Y2O3:Eu and the properties of the particles were investigated by TG-DTA, XRD, FTIR, SEM, Fluorescence Spectrophotometer. The results show that nitrate ions accelerate the decomposition of the EDTA-gel, and fine, homogenous, pure cubic phase Y2O3:Eu nanocrystal can be produced after the dry gel calcinated at 600℃ for 2h. The nanoparticles of the Y2O3:Eu are basically spherical in shape, about 20nm and 70nm in size respectively at 600℃ and 1000℃.