Synthesis of (Y,Gd)₂O₃: Eu nanopowder by a novel co-precipitation processing

Nano-sized (Y,Gd)₂O₃:Eu powders were synthesized by a novel co-precipitation processing in which a mixture of ammonium hydroxide and ammonium hydrogen carbonate was adopted as a complex precipitant. Evolution behaviors of precursors during calcinations were studied by means of thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry-mass spectrum, Fourier transform infrared, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy in detail. Nano-sized (Y,Gd)₂O₃:Eu powder as prepared possessed a primary grain size of about 30 nm and specific surface area of 38 m²/g after being calcined at 850 °C for 2 h, showing much finer grains and less agglomeration. The as prepared nanopowder shows intense luminescence at 611nm under x-ray or ultraviolet excitation. Transparent (Y,Gd)₂O₃:Eu ceramics can also be fabricated using this high sinterable nanopowder.