Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline Y2O3 : Eu3+ phosphor - An upper-division inorganic chemistry laboratory

An experiment suitable for a junior–senior-level inorganic synthesis laboratory course is presented. It involves the preparation of nanocrystalline Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphor using a combustion synthesis technique, and the additional firing of some of the nanoparticles at 900 °C. The particle size of these materials is calculated using powder X-ray diffraction data; it is found to be about 60 nm as prepared and about 110 nm after the additional heat treatment. The luminescence properties of Eu3+ in this host are characterized using a fluorescence spectrometer. A change in the efficiency and a shift in the position of the charge transfer band are observed. A sample set of student data and analysis is included