Effect of acidity on microstructure and spectroscopic properties of Y2O3:Eu3+ powders and ceramics

Y2O3:Eu3+ nano-powders were synthesized by homogeneous precipitation and the influence of solution acidity was investigated. IR and TG–DTA analysis showed that in different acidic solutions different kinds of sediments were generated. TEM images revealed distinct morphologies of obtained powders. The resultant powders were sintered into ceramics in vacuum and then in N2 atmosphere without any additives. SEM images indicated that the morphologies of powders have significant impact on the microstructures of sintering-derived ceramics. Low-agglomerated and uniform powders were in favor of production of ceramics with homogeneous microstructures. Excitation and emission spectra of both powders and ceramics were measured and some changes were observed.