Green phosphors of the composition Ce1-xTbxMgAl11O19 (0.1 < x < 0.6) were p
repared via self-propagating (combustion) synthesis, using urea as a fuel.
The phosphors that were produced via the combustion route were fine powders
and produced a luminous intensity of 72%, compared to an optimized commerc
ial phosphor, The excitation spectra were characteristic of the Ce3+ cation
; however, no Ce3+ emission was observed. Energy transfer from the Ce3+ cat
ion to the Tb3+ cation was complete, and only the 542 nm Tb3+ emission was
observed. Concentration quenching occurred with x > 0.5, Scanning electron
microscopy images showed a well-crystallized, platelike morphology, with a
particle size of 10-20 mu m.