Improved methods for the preparation of $(Y_{1-x}Eu_x)_2O_3$:MX and $(Y_{1-x-y}Gd_xEu_y)_2O_3$:MX as red phosphor materials

Substantially improved methods for the preparation of europium-doped yttrium oxide red phosphor with the inclusion of alkali metal halides having a general formula $(Y_{1-x}Eu_x)_2O_3$:MX where 0.025${\leq}$x${\leq}$0.2 and MX is alkali halide in the mole ratio 0.025 to 0.6, more preferably between 0.05 to 0.2 mole, are reported. Another series of the red phosphor materials with general formula $(Y_{1-x-y}Gd_xEu_y)_2O_3$:MX where 0.05${\leq}$x${\leq}$0.40 and 0.025${\leq}$y${\leq}$0.20 and MX is alkali halide in the mole ratio 0.025 to 0.5, more preferably between 0.1 to 0.2 mole, has also been presented. The inclusion of alkali halide greatly increase the luminance of the materials. The materials are very soft with fine particle size less than 100nm. The phosphorescent materials have good luminance in VUV region.