Morphology and luminescence of (Y,Gd)BO3:Eu phosphor particles prepared by urea-assisted spray pyrolysis

Red phosphor of (Y,Gd)BO3:Eu was prepared by urea-assisted spray pyrolysis through the polymeric reaction. The synthetic route was adopted to enhance optical characteristics of spherical phosphors. In particular, the phosphors synthesized with urea showed quite different morphology and luminous efficiency compared to those without urea. It was certain that precursor with the urea had a positive effect on the particle formation and the surface status of particles. To enhance the luminescence intensity and mechanical characteristics, synthesizing conditions were investigated and optimized, which included the concentration of urea, the synthesis temperature, and the activator concentration. As a result, the red emission intensity of the spherical (Y,Gd)BO3:Eu phosphor obtained a remarkable improvement by optimal urea-assisted spray pyrolysis, compared to that by conventional solid-state technique.