Synthesis and luminescence properties of Yb-doped Y2O3, Sc2O3 and Lu2O3 solid solutions nanopowders

An approach of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of ytterbium doped mixed yttria, scandia and lutetia powders Yb0.1(RE1xRE21-x)1.9O3 (RE1 and RE2 = Sc, Y, Lu, x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) was developed. A comparative study of the structural properties of the powders obtained by XRD analysis and Raman spectroscopy was carried out. The formation of rare earth oxides solid solutions throughout the studied compositional range was confirmed. The presence of residual hydroxyl groups in the resulting powders, most notable for scandia, was demonstrated. The broadening of Yb3+ ions luminescence bands in the matrices of structurally disordered mixed oxides was ascertained in comparison with individual rare earth oxides from 16 nm for Yb:Sc2O3 up to 25 nm for Yb0.1(Y0.75Sc0.25)1.9O3.