Preparation and photoluminescence of Sm3+ and Eu3+ doped Lu2O3 phosphor

Sm3+/Eu3+ doped and co-doped Lu2O3 phosphors were prepared via a sol–gel combustion route using citric acid as the fuel. XRD analysis and FTIR spectra showed that the amorphous precursor crystallized in a cubic structure upon heating at 500 °C. TEM images revealed that the particle size of the prepared powders was about 80 nm. Intense reddish orange and red lights were detected at room temperature when the samples were exposed into UV or blue light excitation. Based on the emission spectra of Sm3+/Eu3+ doped and co-doped samples, the possible energy transfer process between Sm3+ and Eu3+ in this system was proposed.