Morphology Control and Optimization of Luminescent Property of YBO[sub 3]:Tb Phosphor Particles Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis

fine particles with high photoluminescence were prepared by a spray pyrolysis process. The emission intensity of particles under vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) excitation was optimized by controlling the Tb content, excess quantity of boron, and heat-treatment temperature. The highest luminescent intensity under VUV excitation was obtained when 10 atom % Tb with respect to yttrium and 25% excess boron of the stoichiometric quantity were used at 1150°C post-treatment temperature. It was tried to simultaneously control the morphological and luminous properties of particles via the modification of the precursor solution to be sprayed. The particles prepared from a nitrate aqueous solution which was obtained by only dissolving yttrium nitrate, terbium nitrate, and boric acid in purified water showed rod-like morphology. When the nitrate aqueous solution was modified by however, the prepared particles had not only a spherical-like shape, but also fine and more uniform size distribution than the rod-like particles prepared and the commercial particles. In addition, the particles prepared from the -assisted spray solution showed improved luminescent intensity compared with the particles with a rod-like shape. From X-ray diffraction analysis, it was found that an enhancement of the crystallinity of was achieved by using as a chemical additive. Finally, the photoluminescence intensity of particles optimized in terms of the composition, heat-treatment condition, and morphology was higher than that of the commercial particles as well as © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.