Preparation and luminescence properties of SiO2/Lu2Si2O7:Ce composite starting from mesopore template

Abstract

A chemical processing method has been developed for preparing the nanosized phosphors of Lu₂Si₂O₇:Ce³⁺ (LPS:Ce) by choosing mesoporous template SBA-15 as Si source. Accordingly, the luminescent ceramic composite of SiO₂/LPS:Ce has also been densified by hot pressing at elevated temperatures using composited powders with the prepared LPS:Ce phosphor particles embedded in SiO₂ matrix. XRD analysis and TEM observation have been carried out for both the prepared LPS:Ce phosphors and the final SiO₂/LPS:Ce ceramics, indicating complete crystallization and a well distribution of LPS:Ce nanoparticles in SiO₂ component. The ultra-violet fluorescence spectra, X-ray excited luminescence spectra, and decay time of the resultant SiO₂/LPS:Ce ceramic composite have also been measured, showing a blue emission from Ce³⁺ and a fast decay time of about 37 ns. Experimental results show that an attractive strategy has been successfully developed for producing translucent or even transparent ceramics with phosphor nanoparticles embedded in matrix. The specific route can provide an effective control of reaction channels and a uniform distribution of phosphor particles in matrix by the template guiding role from ordered mesoporous SiO₂. The fabrication method thus developed could be employed in other kinds of composited ceramics.