3. Methods for synthesizing and characterizing luminophores

3.1 Synthesis methods

• Almost all phosphors are synthesized by solid-state reaction from high-temperature raw materials. The synthesis process involves several steps, described below.

  • Starting materials: it is essential to use starting materials of the highest purity. Today, very pure raw materials (99.999% and sometimes even 99.9999%) are available on the market, although they are obviously more expensive.

  • Intimate blending of the raw materials required to obtain the desired end product: this can be done in an acid and then co-precipitated. The mixture is then mixed and fired in a high-temperature crucible. The result is a "sintered" or agglomerated material that needs to be finely ground again. This operation...