The synthesis of (Y_1-xGd_x)₂O₃:Eu phosphor particles by flame spray pyrolysis with LiCl flux

(Y_1-xGd_x)₂O₃:Eu phosphor particles with dense morphology were prepared by flame spray pyrolysis and the effect of LiCl flux on the crystallinity, morphology, and photo-luminescence characteristics of the particles was investigated. All as-prepared particles had monoclinic phase regardless of flux and had different luminescence characteristics from those of commercial Y₂O₃:Eu particles of cubic phase. The addition of LiCl flux reduced the post-treatment temperature by 300 °C for phase transformation from the monoclinic phase to the cubic phase. The post-treatment temperature of (Y_0.75Gd_0.25)₂O₃:Eu particles for phase transformation decreased from 1100 °C to 700 °C when LiCl flux was used. The morphology of the particles was also influenced by the Y/Gd ratio and the LiCl flux. The as-prepared particles had spherical shape and nonaggregation characteristics regardless of Y/Gd ratio and flux. The sphericity of the as-prepared particles prepared without flux was maintained after post-treatment for phase transformation in all Y/Gd ratios. However, LiCl addition promoted the aggregation between product particles. The prepared particles had high photoluminescence intensities comparable to that of the commercial product.