Synthesis and VUV photoluminescence of Y2O3:Eu3+ by doping different ions

Eu3+-activated Y2O3 phosphors doped with M (M = Gd3+, La3+, Zn2+, Li+) were synthesized via a low temperature hydrothermal method with subsequent heat treatment. The photoluminescent properties of Eu3+-activated Y2O3 with different M ions under 147 nm excitation were examined. The excitation spectra of all samples consisted of two bands with maxima at about 207 nm and 239 nm. The former band was ascribed to the band edge of Y2O3, and the latter band was assigned to the charge transfer transition between Eu3+ and O2−. At the same doping concentration, Gd3+ or Li+ doping had a positive effect on the luminescence of Y2O3:Eu3+, while La3+ or Zn2+ doping had a negative effect. The mechanism and role of different M ions were discussed.