In this report, structure, morphology and luminescence of Y2O3:Sm3+
nanoparticles prepared by self-propagating room temperature reaction are
presented. This new, simple and cost effective synthesis allows obtaining
desired phase composition by mixing appropriate amounts of yttrium and
samarium nitrates together with sodium hydroxide. A set of samples is
prepared with different Sm3+ concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 at %) in
order to observe changes of luminescence properties. Also, effects of post
synthesis annealing at several temperatures (600?C, 800?C and 1100?C) are
analyzed. For all samples X-ray diffraction showed that powders have cubic
bixbyite structure (Ia-3), and TEM analysis showed particles of less than 100
nm. Luminescence emission spectra clearly show peaks characteristic for
electronic spin-forbidden transition of Sm3+ ions 4G5/2?6H5/2, 6H7/2 and
6H9/2 centered at 578, 607 and 654 nm, respectively. Emission lifetime values
decrease with Sm3+ ion concentration increment, from 1.94 ms for 0.1 at% to
0.97 ms for 2 at%. In addition, enlargement of lifetime value is observed
when thermal treatment is done at the highest temperature due to the
elimination of luminescence quenching species from the surface of particles.