Effect of particle size and dopant concentration on photophysical properties of Eu3+-doped rare earth oxysulphide phosphor coatings

Europium-doped rare-earth oxysulphides (red phosphors) are often used as reference luminophore in pyrene-based pressure sensor coatings for aerodynamic applications. Different red phosphor samples were characterized for their particle size, chemical composition, photoluminescent properties and temperature sensitivity. The red phosphor samples were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for elemental analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology and particle size measurement. The particle size was in the range of 1.5–5.7 μm with morphology of hexagonal or spherical shape. It was found that phosphor with higher europium content exhibited higher luminescent emission intensity. The phosphor coatings were prepared by spraying a dispersion of the material in silicone resin. Smooth coatings were obtained by using phosphor samples with smaller particle size. Upon 334 nm excitation, the coatings showed characteristic luminescence 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) of the Eu3+ ions. The electronic transition located at 626 nm (5D0 → 7F2) of Eu3+ ions was stronger than the magnetic dipole transition located at 595 nm (5D0 → 7F1). Luminescence decay curves obeyed double exponential behaviour. The phosphor samples showed temperature sensitivity of −0.012 to −0.168%/°C in the temperature range of 25–50 °C.