Synthesis and luminescent properties of nano-scale LuAG:RE3+ (Ce, Eu) phosphors prepared by co-precipitation method

Nano-scale Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG) and LuAG:RE3+ (Ce, Eu) phosphors were synthesized through co-precipitation method by using metal nitrates as the starting materials and NH4HCO3 solution as precipitant. Heat treatment was performed in the temperature range from 800 to 1100 °C. The crystal structure and morphology were analyzed by means of XRD and TEM. The results indicate that the cubic garnet phase of LuAG is obtained at 900 °C, and the particle size varies with the sintering temperature. The excitation spectra in UV and VUV range and the emission spectra of samples RE3+ (Ce, Eu) doped LuAG were measured. YAG:RE3+ (Ce, Eu) powders were also synthesized using the same method. And the spectra of the YAG:RE3+ were compared with that of LuAG:RE3+.