Synthesis and optical properties of Gd2O3:Pr3+ phosphor particles

Abstract

Spherical-shaped Gd2O3:Pr3+ phosphor particles were prepared with different concentrations of Pr3+ using the urea homogeneous precipitation method. The resulting Gd2O3:Pr3+ phosphor particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The effects of the Pr3+ doping concentration on the luminescent properties of Gd2O3:Pr3+ phosphors were investigated. Photoluminescence measurements revealed the Gd2O3:1 % Pr3+ phosphor particles to have the strongest emission. The luminescence properties of Gd2O3:Pr3+ particles are strongly affected by the phosphor crystallinity and X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed that the crystallinity of Gd2O3 cubic structure could be enhanced by increasing the firing temperature. The luminescent Gd2O3:Pr3+ phosphor particles have potential applications in areas, such as optical display systems, lamps and etc.