Yttrium oxide:Eu3+ red phosphor by self-propagating high temperature synthesis

Yttrium oxide doped with trivalent europium has been prepared by self-propagating high temperature (SPHT) synthesis, also known as combustion synthesis, with nitrogen-based fuels. The materials synthesized have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and luminescent emission spectroscopy. Crystallite size, powder density, and photoluminescent-emission intensity/efficiency are found to depend on the fuels used. The phosphor products were sintered with and without sintering aids. The results obtained are discussed with respect to the processing method employed.