Structural and optical properties of europium doped Y2O3 nanoparticles prepared by self-propagation room temperature reaction method

Abstract

Europium-doped yttrium oxide nanoparticles with different doping concentrations were prepared by self-propagation room temperature reaction method. This simple synthesis method provides particles in the range of 12nm to 50 nm, depending on the temperature of calcination. In all cases, the nanopowders showed intense red emission upon excitation with ultraviolet radiation. Structural and optical characterization showed that the nanoparticles obtained after calcination at 1100°C have smaller unit cell volume and microstrain and longer emission lifetimes compared to the nanoparticles obtained after calcination at 600°C and 800°C. The maximal emission intensity was found for the sample doped with 5at% of Eu 3+ .