Cubic or monoclinic Y2O3:Eu3+ nanoparticles by one step flame spray pyrolysis

Continuous, single-step synthesis of monocrystalline Y2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphor particles (10–25 nm in diameter and 5 wt% Eu) was achieved by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP). The effect of FSP process parameters on materials properties was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption (BET) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Photoluminescence (PL) emission were measured as well as the time-resolved PL-intensity decay. Controlled synthesis of monoclinic or cubic Y2O3:Eu3+ nanoparticles was achieved without post-treatment by controlling the high temperature residence time of these particles. The cubic nanoparticles exhibited longer decay times but lower maximum PL intensity than commercial micron-sized bulk Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphor powder.