Synthesis and characterization of Ce-doped Lu2SiO5 powders by the solid-state reaction with Li2SO4 flux

Ce-coped Lu2SiO5 powders were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The effects of flux and atmosphere on the powders structure and properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectral measurement. The XRD results show that the samples calcined at 1300 deg. C without using flux were mainly Lu2O3, SiO2 and a small amount of Lu2SiO5, while the samples with Li2SO4 flux are mainly Lu2SiO5. Furthermore, atmosphere is little effective on powder structure. Absorption band of Lu2SiO5 powders shows five peaks at 215 nm, 241 nm, 275 nm, 318 nm and 382 nm, the absorption intensity of samples prepared in air is higher than that of samples prepared in reduced atmosphere. Broad emission band and stronger emission intensities have been found in Lu2SiO5 powders prepared in reduced atmosphere. The excitation spectra of Lu2SiO5 powders prepared in reduced atmosphere are composed of four bands at 240 nm, 271 nm, 302 nm and 360.6 nm. It can be concluded that flux and atmosphere during preparation is favorable for LSO powders emission and is an effective method to decrease calcining temperature.