Tunable Photoluminescence and Cathodoluminescence Properties of Eu[sup 3+]-Doped LaInO[sub 3] Nanocrystalline Phosphors

Abstract

LaIn O3: Eu3+ phosphors were prepared by a Pechini sol-gel process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence, cathodoluminescence spectra, as well as lifetimes were utilized to characterize the synthesized phosphors. XRD results reveal that the sample begins to crystallize at 600°C and pure LaIn O 3 phase can be obtained at 800°C. The crystallinity increases upon raising the annealing temperature. The FE-SEM images indicate that LaIn O3: Eu3+ phosphors are composed of fine and spherical grains around 40-80 nm in size. Under the excitation of UV light and low-voltage electron-beams, LaIn O3: Eu3+ phosphors show the characteristic emissions of the Eu3+ (DJ5 - F J′ 7, J, J′ =0,1,2,3 transitions). The luminescence colors can be tuned from yellowish warm white to red by changing the doping concentration of Eu3+ to some extent. The corresponding luminescence mechanisms have been proposed. These phosphors have potential applications in field-emission displays. © 2008 The Electrochemical Society.