Combustion Synthesis of LaAlO₃ doped with Eu³⁺

Synthesizing light emitting phosphors for efficient lighting solutions enhances our quality of life by reducing our need for energy production. This work focuses on the optical properties and crystal structure of LaAlO₃ :Eu³⁺ , a compound used to produce the orange-red light for LEDs. We used single-fuel combustion synthesis to create Eu³⁺ doped LaAlO₃ , and studied its properties using X-ray diffraction, emission spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. We found that the combustion synthesis method recorded in the literature led not only to the formation of LaAlO₃ :Eu³⁺ , but also to the formation of a secondary compound: La₂O₃ :Eu ³⁺ . Moreover, we also found that using an excess of Al(NO₃)₃ during the combustion, or sintering the sample leads to less of the La₂O₃ :Eu³⁺ structure present in the material. In addition to the two crystalline structures identified, we also observe a less ordered cation site likely associated either with carbon impurities or surface cation sites in the nano-scale phosphors.