Synthesis of Y3Al5O12:Eu and Y3Al5O12:Eu,Si phosphors by combustion method: Comparative investigations on the structural and spectral properties

Abstract

This paper reports the comparative investigations of the structural and spectral properties of Y3Al5O12:Eu3+ (YAG:Eu) and Y3Al5O12:Eu3+,Si4+ (YAG:Eu,Si) phosphors synthesized by combustion method at low temperature. A pure phase was identified for the YAG:Eu phosphor with a suitable amount of SiO2. Rietveld refinement and analytical calculation of different structural parameters were performed to get the idea about the SiO2 substitution in YAG:Eu. The characteristic red luminescence corresponding to Eu3+ transitions was observed after irradiation with ultra violet (UV) light and enhanced with SiO2 addition. Jorgensen formula and nephelauxetic ratio were used to understand the ligand behavior of Eu–O bond in YAG doped phosphor. The Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters and color properties of the phosphors were determined in detail. An efficient synthesis method for YAG:Eu phosphor, compatible for industrial applications, was proposed.