A new route for the synthesis of β-sialon: Eu2+ phosphors using pyrophyllite powders

Eu2+ ion doped β-sialon (Si6−zAlzOzN8−z:xEu2+) phosphors were prepared from pyrophyllite-based mixtures by a carbothermal reduction and nitridation method first. Then, the effects of z values and the Eu concentration on the structure and the photoluminescence (PL) properties were investigated. β-Sialon was successfully synthesized as a dominant phase even at the low temperature of 1500 °C, while Si3N4 and AlN weakly coexisted as secondary phases. The PL excitation spectra exhibited the broad spectra covering up to 500 nm, and the greenish-yellow emission was observed at around 580 nm. At z=1 and x=0.012, excellent emission intensity could be attained.