LaYO3:Sm3+ Nanocrystalline Phosphor: Preparation and Emission Properties

Abstract

Samarium doped LaYO3 nanocrystalline phosphor powders are obtained by polymer complex solution method. Stoichiometric quantities of La2O3, Y2O3 and for dopant ions Sm2O3 were dissolved in hot nitric acid. Polyethylene glycol was added in solutions in 1:1 mass ratio to corresponding metal nitrates to form gel. The gel is combusted and annealed at 800 degrees C for two hours to form nanopowder samples. Crystalline structure and phase purity is checked by X-ray diffraction and show that this material is synthesized in cubic bixbyite type structure for the first time. Luminescence properties of Sm3+ doped LaYOL3 exhibited characteristic orange-red emission coming from the intra-4f-shell (4)G(5/2) - GT H-6(J) electron transitions with emission decay of 1.5 ms. Energy level positions are derived from emission and excitation spectra.