Highly enhanced photoluminescence of YBO3:Eu3+ micro-spheres by co-adding Li ion and alkaline-earth metal ions

YBO3:Eu3+ micro-spheres were synthesized by the hydrothermal method. Moderate particle sizes, perfect surfaces, and a spherical morphology were achieved by co-addition of Li ion and alkaline-earth metal ions. Phase identification, morphology observation and photoluminescence performance of the YBO3:Eu3+ micro-spheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and photoluminescence spectrophotometer (PL), respectively. The results showed significant improvement of the PL emission of YBO3:Eu3+. The emission intensity doubled when the hydrothermal reaction was carried out at 220 degrees C. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.