Characterization of Eu-doped Y2O3 nanoparticles prepared in nonionic reverse microemulsions in relation to their application for field emission display

Y2O3:Eu luminescent particles were synthesized by the reaction between aque ous yttrium nitrate/europium nitrate salts and ammonium hydroxide solution by bulk precipitation and in the reverse microemulsion composed of NP-5/NP- 9, cyclohexane, and water. Compared with Y2O3:Eu luminescent particles form ed by the bulk precipitation method, the particles prepared in microemulsio n showed a narrower size distribution, spherical shape, smaller size (20-30 nm), higher crystallinity, and stronger photoluminescence. Also, Eu-dopcd Y2O3 particles were deposited on the glass plate coated with indium tin oxi de through the electrophoretic method. With these glass plates, low-voltage cathodoluminescence (CL) was measured. The nanoparticles synthesized in re verse microemulsion showed a stronger CL intensity and less current saturat ion than particles formed by bull; precipitation. These CL properties of pa rticles formed in microemulsion might be attributed to the smaller particle size, the larger luminescent surface area, and more well-developed crystal line structure of phosphor than those formed by bulk precipitation. (C) 200 0 The Electrochemical Society, S0013-4651(99)12-013-7. All rights reserved.