The influence of microstructure on luminescent properties of Y2O3:Eu prepared by spray pyrolysis

Y2O3:Eu has been prepared by spray pyrolysis and annealed at various temperatures to obtain crystallized luminescent materials. The microstructure and macrostructure of the obtained powders have been investigated by high-resolution SEM and XRD. The luminescent properties have been measured under 254 nm and under VUV excitation. This work allows us to understand the influence of the phosphors' microstructure on luminescent properties. The spray pyrolysis powder photoluminescence efficiencies at 254 nm excitation are lower than that of the commercial phosphor but under Ne–Xe excitation powder brightnesses equal that of the commercial phosphor. Therefore, we are able to prepare a suitable sample for plasma display application.