Fabrication of SiO2@ZrO2@Y2O3:Eu3+ core-multi-shell structured phosphor

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Luminescence

Background:

• Core-shell phosphors offer enhanced properties but are susceptible to interdiffusion between core and shell materials.
• Reactions between SiO2 cores and Y2O3:Eu shells can degrade luminescent performance.
• Developing protective interfaces is crucial for stable and efficient phosphor materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a SiO2@ZrO2@Y2O3:Eu core-multi-shell phosphor.
• To investigate the role of a ZrO2 interface in preventing core-shell reactions.
• To enhance the luminescent properties and thermal stability of Y2O3:Eu phosphors.

Main Methods:

• Layer-by-Layer (LBL) assembly combined with a Sol-gel process for synthesis.
• Electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and spectroscopy for material characterization.
• Annealing treatments to study the effect of temperature on luminescence.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of SiO2@ZrO2@Y2O3:Eu core-multi-shell structures.
• Demonstrated effectiveness of the ZrO2 layer in blocking SiO2-Y2O3 reactions.
• Increased reaction temperature by 200-300°C and improved luminescence intensity.
• Observed characteristic red emission (611 nm) from Eu3+ ions under UV excitation.

Conclusions:

• The ZrO2 interface is effective in preventing detrimental reactions in SiO2@Y2O3:Eu core-shell phosphors.
• The core-multi-shell structure significantly enhances thermal stability and luminescence.
• Luminescence intensity can be tuned by controlling annealing temperature, coating cycles, and ZrO2 thickness.