Abstract
Homogeneously europium doped yttrium oxide red phosphor (Y_2O_3:Eu) has been synthesized from yttrium (europium) hydroxy carbonate precursor (YOHCO_3:Eu) obtained from urea hydrolysis by homogeneous precipitation techniques. The formation of Y_2O_3:Eu was studied by sintering of the precursors by solid and liquid phase sintering methods. It was observed that the liquid phase sintered phosphors yield improved crystallite size, particle morphology and photoluminescence efficiency compared with the solid phase sintered phosphors. The results obtained are discussed with respect to the effect of sintering on the phosphor properties.
