Preparation and luminescent properties of Yb³⁺∶Y₂O₃ ultrafine powders by low-temperature combustion synthesis

Yb3+∶Y2O3 ultrafine powders were prepared by using the low-temperature combustion synthesis(LCS) with the solutions of mixed nitrates and urea in mol concentration ratio of 3∶1 and at a ignition temperature about 600 ℃. The Yb3+∶Y2O3 ultrafine powders were measured by using a X-ray Diffractometer(XRD), a Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM) and a Fluorescence Spectrometer(FS). The influences of ignition temperature, fuel content and calcination temperature on the characteristics of the powders were investigated. The experimental result shows that the grain diameter of as-prepared powders is about 15-30 nm, and the grain dispersion is good without obvious agglomeration. Moreover the fluorescence performace of the powders is well, and the emission peaks are located at 976, 1 030 and 1 075 nm. As a result, the Yb3+∶Y2O3 ultrafine powders can be propitious to the preparation of Yb3+∶Y2O3 transparent ceramics.