Dense spherical rare oxide particles synthesis via spray pyrolysis of polymeric precursor solution

Abstract

Europium-doped (Y0.5Gd0.5)2O3 phosphor powder is synthesized via spray pyrolysis of polymeric precursor solution obtained by dissolving the stoichiometric amount of corresponding metal nitrates in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) - ethylene glycol (EG) mixture. The 0.1M true stable solution is obtained after pH correction with NH4OH (final pH=8.7). Ultrasonically (1.3MHz) generated aerosol droplets are decomposed at 550 oC in argon atmosphere. Following the initial attempt for obtaining dense, nanostructured spherical particles of pure (Y0.5Gd0.5)2O3:Eu3+ phase, as-prepared dark-gray powder is additionally thermally treated for 12 h in air up to 1100 oC. The particle morphology is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Phase identification is performed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) based on which the structural refinement through Rietveld method was done. Particle chemical purity is confirmed through EDS analysis, while laser particle sizer is used for determination of the particle size distribution.