Sol-gel elaboration and characterization of YAG:Tb3+ powdered phosphors

• Published in: Journal of materials science Vol. 41; no. 8; pp. 2201 - 2209
• Main Authors: POTDEVIN, A, CHADEYRON, G, BOYER, D, MAHIOU, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 01.04.2006; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cross relaxation; Decay; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Infrared analysis; Infrared and raman spectra and scattering; Infrared spectroscopy; Luminescence; Materials science; NMR spectroscopy; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Other nonmetallic inorganics; Phosphors; Physics; Powders; Scanning electron microscopy; Sol-gel processes; Spectrum analysis; Terbium; Thermal analysis; Time constant; Yttrium-aluminum garnet; Aluminium oxide; Scanning electron microscopy; Aluminium Yttrium Oxides Mixed; Doping; Thermogravimetry; Oxides; Differential thermal analysis; Experimental study; X ray diffraction; Precursor; Terbium addition; Inorganic compound; Characterization; Sol gel process; Optical properties; Chemical preparation; Alkoxide; Yttrium oxide; Aluminium Organic compounds; Infrared spectrum; Garnet type compound; Microstructure; NMR spectrum; Growth from solution
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-006-7182-7

Pure and Tb3+-doped Y3Al5O12 materials have been successfully synthesized from sol-gel based alkoxide precursors. Their formation process, structure and microstructure were examined by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis combined with infrared spectroscopy (TG-IR/TDA), infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and solid-state NMR study (27Al MAS NMR). Pure highly crystalline YAG powders were obtained from 900DGC. Laser induced luminescence spectra as well as decay times versus Tb3+ concentration were also studied. The well known 5D3 - > 5D4 cross-relaxation and concentration quenching phenomena were observed. Decay times of the green emission (lambdaem = 544 nm) were mainly found to be exponential with time constant lower than 5 ms. Finally, the optimal terbium concentration for the luminescence efficiency of YAG:Tb3+ powders was determined.