Preparation of YVO4:Eu3+ phosphors via micro-gel spray freeze-drying process

Abstract

In this work we applied a "micro-gel spray freeze-drying method" for synthesis of YVO4:Eu3+ phosphor materials. The proposed approach combined usual freeze-drying technique with water soluble polymers: agarose, gelatin and PVA to reinforce the frozen particles due to gel formation. The nature and concentration of these water soluble compounds determine the structure of the gels, and thus it allows controlling microstructure of the ice particles. It was found that a polymer and its concentration affects the morphology of the primary particles and prevents aggregation of secondary particles during freeze-drying as well as during thermal treatment of the precursors in synthesis of YVO4:Eu 3+ phosphor.