Synthesis dependent luminescence efficiency in Eu3+ doped polycrystalline YBO3

The influence of the synthesis method on the luminescence efficiency of the orthoborate YBO3:Eu3+ was studied by comparing the optical performances of samples prepared by three routes: solid state reaction (SR), wet process (WP) and sol-gel processing (SG). On the basis of X-ray powder diffraction, SEM micrographs and photoluminescence measurements, SG appears to be the most efficient method to prepare high quality compounds for practical applications. Such a conclusion is reinforced by the existence of an important gain in the luminescence efficiency using this procedure.