Gd2O3:Eu phosphor particles prepared from spray solution containing boric acid flux and polymeric precursor by spray pyrolysis

Abstract Micron size Gd2O3:Eu phosphor particles with spherical shape and dense morphology were prepared from spray solution containing boric acid, citric acid and polyethylene glycol by spray pyrolysis. Boric acid used as flux material was effective in improving the photoluminescence intensity of micron size Gd2O3:Eu phosphor particles prepared by spray pyrolysis. Boric acid did not affect on the morphology of the phosphor particles prepared from spray solution containing citric acid and polyethylene glycol after post-treatment at high temperature. The optimum content of boric acid in the preparation of Gd2O3:Eu phosphor particles from spray solution containing polymeric precursors by spray pyrolysis was 1 wt.%. The optimum post-treatment temperature of Gd2O3:Eu phosphor particles showing the maximum photoluminescence intensity was 1050 °C. The Gd2O3:Eu phosphor particles post-treated at 1050 °C had complete spherical shape, non-aggregation characteristics and high crystallinity. The photoluminescence intensity of the Gd2O3:Eu phosphor particles prepared from spray solution containing polymeric precursors and boric acid flux was 149% of the phosphor particles prepared from spray solution without polymeric precursor and boric acid flux.