Nanodesigning of SiO2 : Eu3+ particles obtained by spray pyrolysis method and their luminescence properties

Abstract

Mechanism of droplet formation and the structuring of SiO2:Eu3+ spheres prepared by the process of ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, using colloidal solution consisting of the 7.5 mn SiO2 nanoparticles and Eu(NO3)(3)center dot 6H(2)O as a precursor, is described. The proposed model quantitatively defines each line in the size distribution spectrum. Agreement between theoretically obtained basic structural parameters (size distribution and geometry) and experimentally determined values was found. Electron microscopy of SiO2:Eu3+ powder revealed three-level arrangement of material: nanoparticles, sub-particles and spheres, also in agreement with the theoretical model. Luminescence properties of trivalent europium ions imbedded in such structured system are investigated in addition. Characteristic emissions of (5)Do(0) - GT F-7(J) transitions of Eu3+ ion were found with a good chromaticity and very good luminescence lifetime of 3.3 ms.