Optimization of solvent condition for highly luminescent Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphor

In this paper, effect of synthetic conditions on the particle size, crystal structure, and the photoluminescence properties of the Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphor was investigated. Solvent and dispersing agent were determined as the synthetic parameters. The nanophosphor synthesized from methanol solvent showed the smaller particle size and the wider specific surface area of 4 nm and 80 m(2)/g, respectively. The XRD analysis indicates that the crystal structure of the Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphor is mainly cubic crystal with orientation of (222), (440), (400), and small peak of (511) indicating monoclinic crystal. The Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphor synthesized by using methanol solvent and 0.1 wt.% hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) as a dispersing agent showed higher degree of crystallization of 10.5 of I-(2 2 2)/I-(5 1 1) ratio than that without HPC. Also, the photoluminescence properties of the nanophosphor showed red color that excitation and emission wavelengths of the nanophosphor were 250 and 611 nm, respectively. Using the 250 nm UV source, the highly intensive photoluminescence peak could be achieved at 611 nm under the synthetic condition of methanol solvent adding 0.1 wt.% HPC. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.