Synthesis and luminescent characteristic of Eu3+-doped (Gd,Lu)2O3 nanopowders

Abstract Eu 3+ doped (Gd,Lu) 2 O 3 nanopowders with particle sizes ranging from 20 to 70 nm were synthesized by the co-precipitant method using mixed precipitants, namely the mixture of ammonium hydroxide (NH 3 ⋅H 2 O) and ammonium hydrogen carbonate (NH 4 HCO 3 ). The precipitate precursor prepared by this method was believed to possess a basic carbonate composition and its thermal decomposition of the (Gd,Lu) 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ powders were investigated by Thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA). This preparation was followed by a calcination process at 800–1100 °C and corresponding phosphor structure were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Photoluminescence measurement of the (Gd,Lu) 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ particles show typical red emission at the 612 nm corresponding to the 5 D 0 → 7 F 2 transition. We found that the optimal Eu 3+ molar doping concentration, calcined temperature and reaction time were 7 mol%, 1000 °C, and 2 h, respectively, which is helpful to obtain the final transparent ceramics with excellent properties.