The synthesis of fine particle yttrium vanadate phosphors from spherical powder precursors using urea precipitation

Spherical precursors to YVO4 phosphors are reported that lead to fired mate rials of 1-5 mu m in size with the majority of particles below 4 mu m. The photoluminescence performance of the phosphors prepared by this method is a s good as those of commercial phosphors, where the average size particle ha s a volume nine times greater than those reported here. The excitation and emission spectra for YVO4:M (where M = Bi3+: Th3+, Eu3+ Sm3+. or Er3+) are presented. The origins of the emission in YVO4 are briefly discussed. (C) 2 000 The Electrochemical Society. S0013-4651(00)03-076-3. All rights reserve d.