Analysis of the oxygen dependence of cerium-based phosphors and synthesis of solid solutions with Ce${}_2$O${}_3$

This work comprises the investigation of cerium (III) oxide and cerium-containing luminescent materials for their suitability as oxygen sensors using luminescence. Solid solutions of cerium (III) oxide with other lanthanide (III) oxides were synthesized and structurally characterized. In addition, Eu${}^{3+}$-doped cerium oxides and Tb${}^{3+}$-doped cerium phosphates were synthesized and analyzed. Luminescence measurements at different temperatures and under atmospheres with varying oxygen contents showed that the luminescence intensity of the phosphors is affected by the atmosphere. The investigations in this work cover aspects of fundamental research on cerium oxide and demonstrate if cerium-based inorganic compounds are suitable for oxygen sensing via luminescence.