Synthesis, characterization, and luminescent properties of Lu2O3:Eu phosphors

Eu-doped lutetia (Lu2O3:Eu) nano-phosphors were synthesized by the sol–gel combustion process from a mixed aqueous solution of europium and lutetium nitrates, using organic glycine as the fuel. Powder X-ray diffraction shows that cubic Lu2O3:Eu crystallites are directly obtained by the sol–gel combustion process without further calcination. Electron microscopy reveals that the as-prepared phosphors are agglomerated and have a fluffy, fine, and porous morphology, consisting of primary particle size of 8–10 nm. The excitation spectrum is characterized by three dominant bands centered at 395, 466, and 534 nm, respectively. Both the photoluminescent and radioluminescent spectra are very similar and exhibit intense emission peaks centered at 612 nm due to 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+ ions. The energy transfer from Lu2O3 host to Eu3+ activator is more efficient in the case of calcined phosphors than for the as-prepared phosphors due to their improved lattice perfection.