Combustion synthesis and photoluminescence of Eu3+ doped LaAlO3 nanophosphors

Eu3+ doped LaAlO3 nanophosphors were successfully synthesized by a combustion process using concentrated solution of lanthanum nitrates and aluminate as oxidiser, and glycine acid as fuel. The powders were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy. Pure LaAlO3 phase was obtained at 800 degrees C heated for 4 h, without formation of any intermediate phase, with an average crystal size, as determined by TEM, of 60 nm. Intense photoluminescence emission is reported at 616 nm, allowing the use of this material as red phosphor. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.