Controlled growth and up-conversion luminescence of Y2O2S : Er3+ phosphor with the addition of Bi2O3

Abstract

By adding Bi₂O₃ in phosphor raw materials, fine particles (ca. 500 nm in diameter) have been synthesized for the first time in Y₂O₂S : Er³⁺via high-temperature solid-state reaction. The influence of Bi₂O₃ content on the crystal growth and up-conversion (UC) luminescence (excited at 1550 nm) of Y₂O₂S : Er³⁺ phosphors was investigated by varying the Bi₂O₃ concentration from 0 to 10.0 mol%. As Bi₂O₃ concentration was increased, the average particle size was increased and then decreased, and the uniformity of the particle size was descended and then enhanced. The size change of Bi₂O₃ doped Y₂O₂S : Er³⁺ phosphors can be well explained by the liquid phase sintering mechanism. Compared to the phosphors without containing any Bi₂O₃, UC luminescence intensity (excited at 1550 nm) of phosphors containing Bi₂O₃ decreased, but was still sufficiently strong to the naked eye.