Synthesis of Tm:Lu2O3 nanocrystals for phosphor blue applications

Nanocrystalline powder of Tm3+ doped lutetium oxide, Tm:Lu2O3, has been synthesized by the sol-gel Pechini method. Differential thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the effect of Tm3+ ion on the structure and morphology of samples. In all cases, the obtained nanoparticles crystallize in the cubic system, with space group of symmetry . The mean particle size was 100–200 nm with crystallite size of 20–30 nm. Optical absorption and cathodoluminescence spectra were recorded. The cathodoluminescence spectra showed an intense blue emission associated to the 1G4→3H6 transition. CIE chromatic coordinates, dominant wavelength and color purity were determined for the evaluation of this material as a potential blue phosphor.