Enhancement of luminous intensity of spherical Y2O3 : Eu phosphors using flux during aerosol pyrolysis

Abstract

Spherical phosphors of trivalent europium-activated yttrium oxide for flat panel displays were prepared from precursor solutions, which included various fluxes, by aerosol pyrolysis. The effects of the flux on the properties of prepared particles were investigated thoroughly by optical spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. To enhance the luminescence intensity of the spherical phosphors, the several fluxes, concentration of each flux, and synthetic temperature were examined and optimized by photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence measurements. The luminescent and physical characteristics of the prepared particles were sensitively influenced by the added flux. Particularly, the spherical phosphors produced from precursors incorporating sodium-based fluxes had relatively higher luminous efficiency. The red emission intensity of the spherical Y2O3:Eu phosphor was increased by about 30% by the addition of Na2HPO4 compared with the intensity of Y2O3:Eu alone. (C) 2003 The Electrochemical Society.