Cathodo-, Thermo-, and Photoluminescent Properties of Nano-Y2O3:Eu3+Fabricated by Controlled Combustion Synthesis

Abstract

Y2O3:Eu3+nanophosphors were prepared through combustion reaction under controlled condition of the fuel ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA-Na2) and in the temperature range from 350 to 700°C. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scattering electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that Y2O3:Eu3+nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by combustion method at low temperature and in short reaction time. The light-emitting ability of Y2O3:Eu3+nanoparticles upon the electron excitation has been studied at the potentials 5, 10, and 15 kV. The thermoluminescent glow curves have elucidated an intense peak at 117°C after UV exposure and at least two peaks at 125 and 336°C with Gamma irradiation. Photoluminescent spectra of Y2O3:Eu3+nanoparticles exhibited strong red luminescent color with highest sharp band at 612 nm under excitation in ultraviolet at 254, 394 and in visible at 465 nm. The dependence of photoluminescent properties of Y2O3:Eu3+nanoparticles on annealing temperature and concentration of Eu3+was also studied.