Auto-ignition based synthesis of Y2O3 for photo- and thermo-luminescent applications

[Display omitted] •Y2O3 for photo- and thermo-luminescent applications is synthesized by combustion route.•Luminescence property is tuned for different applications by using a suitable fuel.•Influence of fuel on structural and luminescence characteristics of Y2O3 is explored.•Possible reasons for the observed spectral characteristics are discussed in detail. We present a simple route for synthesis of Y2O3 for both photoluminescent (PL) and thermoluminescent (TL) applications. We show that by simply switching the fuel from ethylene di-amine tetracetic acid (EDTA) to its disodium derivative (Na2-EDTA), we obtain a better photoluminescent material. On the other hand, use of EDTA aids in formation of Y2O3 which is a better thermoluminescent material. In both cases pure cubic nano-Y2O3 is obtained. For both the material systems, structural characterization, photoluminescence, thermoluminescence, and absorbance spectra are reported and analyzed. Use of EDTA results in nano Y2O3 with crystallite size ∼10nm. Crystallinity improves, and crystallite size is larger (∼30nm) when Na2-EDTA is used. TL response of Y2O3 nanophosphors prepared by both fuels is examined using UV radiation. Samples prepared with EDTA show well resolved glow curve at 140°C, while samples prepared with Na2-EDTA shows a glow curve at 155°C. Effect of UV exposure time on TL characteristics is investigated. The TL kinetic parameters are also calculated using glow curve shape method. Results indicate that the TL behavior of both the samples follow a second order kinetic model.