Re-processing CRT phosphors for mercury-free applications

This study is part of an operation in the framework of treatment and revalorization of IEEE (Informatics, Electronics and related) wastes. It aims to recover the active phosphors in cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and to re-cycle these powders by appropriate treatments as phosphors for mercury-free applications such as plasma display panels, flat lamps, advertising and lighting. The studied waste comes from a large panel of CRTs from any supplier. Several thermo-chemical treatments have been investigated. The removal of zinc sulfide-based phosphors and the recovery of a red phosphor Y2O3:Eu3+ has been achieved by one (basic attack) route. The photoluminescence efficiency under VUV excitation of the obtained powders is at most 30% that of a commercial phosphor. The second route (acid attack) appears less promising. It has been established that silicate-based impurities could prevent isolating the yttrium based phosphor.