Luminescent properties of Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanocrystals prepared by molten salt synthesis

A series of red phosphors Y2O3:Eu3+ were prepared by the molten salt method with different surfactants. Their structures, morphologies, and the photoluminescent properties were investigated at room temperature. The particles size of Y2O3:Eu3+ can be controlled by adjusting the kinds of surfactants. The phosphor Y2O3:Eu3+ prepared with NP-10 [polyoxyethylene (10) nonyl phenyl ether] shows regular morphology and higher crystallinity, and its average particle size is about 200 nm. Bright red light can be observed by naked eyes from the red phosphor under 254 nm excitation.