Use of LiCl flux in the preparation of Y2O3:Eu phosphor particles by spray pyrolysis

The effect of LiCl flux on the luminescence characteristics, crystallinity and morphology of Y2O3:Eu phosphor particles was investigated. The maximum PL intensity of particles directly prepared at 1300 °C from solution with LiCl flux was 50% higher than that of particles prepared from solution without flux. The PL intensities of particles prepared at 700 and 900 °C from flux solution were 200 and 134% of those of particles prepared from solution without flux at the same preparation temperatures. Activation of Eu dopant was fully occurred even at 700 °C when LiCl flux was used while high temperature above 1100 °C was required without flux. LiCl flux played an important role of improving activation degree of Eu dopant into Y2O3 host and reducing defects of particles.