Al2O3:Eu3+ spherical red-emitting phosphor: Synthesis by hydrothermal technique and luminescence characteristics

An experimental assessment of europium doped Al2O3 spherical phosphors has been conducted, in conjunction with a controllable morphology via one-pot hydrothermal synthesis route and typical red light emission. The most important synthesis step of spheres is utilizing of glucose as structuring additive, followed by a subsequent calcination process in a range of 600-1300 degrees C. It was found that the final products Al2O3:Eu3+ exhibited a micro-spherical structure. SEM images indicate that the spheres consist of cross-linked sheets at lower calcination temperatures or coral-like subunits at higher temperatures. XRD patterns show that the adequate calcination temperature can guarantee a well-crystallized Al2O3 phase formation. Furthermore, under excitation of a xenon lamp (lambda(ex) = 392 nm), the Al2O3:Eu3+ phosphors exhibit a bright red emission. All results of this research can also contribute to a simple synthesis route of metal oxide based phosphors with spherical morphology and lower temperature conditions. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.