A facile large-scale synthesis and luminescence properties of Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanoflowers

Eu3+ ions activated Gd2O3 flower-like phosphor powders were prepared by a facile synthesis route. The growth mechanism was examined using the scanning electron microscope images as a function of reaction time. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the cubic structure. The excitation spectra showed the efficient energy transfer from the Gd3+ to Eu3+ ions and the emission spectra exhibited the strongest emission band at wavelengths of ∼611 nm. The Eu3+ concentration was optimized to be 5 mol%. The emission intensity and color purity of Gd2O3:5 mol% Eu3+ were high as compared to the commercial Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphor.

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► Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanoflowers were prepared by a facile synthesis route.
► PEG and citric acid play a key role in the growth of nanoflowers.
► The Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanoflowers show the strongest red emission with high color purity as compared to the commercial Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphor.