Investigation on the Crystallization Process of Eu$\text{}^{3+}$:CaSiO$\text{}_{3}$ Gel Using Optical and Thermal Methods

Alkoxy sol-gel technique is an important preparation method for production of rare-earth based phosphors. Crystallization of gel provides a way to prepare phosphors on lower working temperatures than those required for the solid state reactions. CaSiO$\text{}_{3}$ gel samples were obtained through hydrolysis-condensation reactions of tetraethylorthosilicate as silica source. In this work we studied the process of crystallization of Eu$\text{}^{3+}$-activated CaSiO$\text{}_{3}$ gel and decomposition of organic precursors by means of thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Results of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersion spectrometry are used to check chemical composition and morphology of synthesized material. Emission spectra and emission lifetime measurements are performed to investigate luminescence properties of Eu$\text{}^{3+}$ doped CaSiO$\text{}_{3}$ powder.