The blue phosphor Sr 2CeO 4 synthesized by Pechini’s method

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 323; pp. 667 - 669
• Main Authors: Serra, O.A, Severino, V.P, Calefi, P.S, Cicillini, S.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 2001
• Subjects: Chemical synthesis; Luminescence; Optical properties; Phosphors; X-ray diffraction; Phosphors; Optical properties; Luminescence; X-ray diffraction; Chemical synthesis
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/S0925-8388(01)01061-1

Blue emitters are very attractive research subjects because of their possible industrial applications as phosphors for field emission displays. Recently, a blue phosphor, Sr 2CeO 4, was identified by a combinatorial materials synthesis technique. This material was further synthesized using the chemical coprecipitation method and the decomposition of acetates, carbonates and oxalates in a tedious procedure. In this work, we present the use of Pechini’s method as an alternative for the synthesis of this promising material. When the precursor, (Sr/Ce) polymer citrate–ethylene glycol, was fired at 850°C for 2 h, a mixture of Sr 2CeO 4 and SrCeO 3 (inactive) was obtained, whereas the amount of Sr 2CeO 4 was increased by further heating at 1100°C for 2 h in an oxygen atmosphere, as shown by the diffraction pattern. The excitation spectra present two broad bands with maxima at 294 and 344 nm and the emission spectrum has a broad band (half width ∼80 nm) centered at ∼475 nm. The unusually long lifetime of the compound fired at 1100°C of ∼0.04 ms is in good agreement with literature data. In conclusion, the blue phosphor material Sr 2CeO 4 synthesized at 1100°C in an oxygen flux has comparable or even better emitter properties than that prepared over several days and/or at higher temperatures. The method is very attractive for industrial purposes.