Synthesis and characterization of sol–gel derived Y3BO6:Eu3+ powders and films

Abstract Ultra fine powders and thin films of Eu 3+ doped Y 3 BO 6 phosphor were synthesized for the first time by the sol–gel method using metal alkoxides as precursors. The formation process and structure of the phosphor powders were investigated by means of infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy. We have also succeeded in preparing crack-free films. From m-lines spectroscopy, XRD and transmission electron microscopy studies, it has been shown that these coatings are uniform and defect-free. Low temperature luminescence spectra recorded from europium doped samples indicate clearly that europium ions occupy at least six different crystallographic sites in the Y 3 BO 6 structure.