Fluorescent powder, process for producing the same, and light emitting device, display device, and fluorescent lamp containing fluorescent powder

Abstract

According to the present invention, a fluorescent powder composed mainly of an acicular or fibrous zinc oxide single crystal with an aspect ratio of 5 or higher is produced by the following steps: a step of producing a raw material solution selected from the group consisting of a raw material solution (A) that is an alkali solution containing zing ions, a raw material solution (B) that is a solution containing zinc ions and ions of dopant element, and a mixed solution of the raw material solution (A) and the raw material solution (B); anda hydrothermal reaction step wherein a hydrothermal reaction of the mixed solution is carried out in a hermetically sealed vessel at a subcritical or supercritical temperature and at a subcritical or supercritical pressure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase application of International Application No. PCT/JP2008/051019, filed Jan. 18, 2008, and claims the priority of Japanese Application No. 2007-010649, filed Jan. 19, 2007, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an acicular zinc oxide fluorescent powder and a process for producing the same. Such fluorescent powder is used for display devices such as displays for televisions and personal computers, displays for device control panels, and displays used for displaying public announcements and advertisements, as well as for a variety of lighting devices. In addition, the present invention relates to a light emitting device, a display device, and a fluorescent lamp, each of which contains the fluorescent powder.

BACKGROUND ART

Display devices such as cathode ray tubes (CRTs), liquid crystal display devices, vacuum fluorescent displays (VFDs), light emitting diodes (LEDs), and electroluminescence (EL) display devices have been widely used. In recent years, along with significant progress in information technologies, etc., there are rapidly increasing demands in terms of high performance and high functions of display devices; for example, high levels of display quality (high intensity, high definition, large area, wide viewing angle, etc.), low power consumption, space saving, and weight reduction. In response to such demands in terms of performance, sophistication of widely available display devices is actively being made. In addition, plasma display panels (PDPs) have become commercially available in recent years. Further, the research and development of future promising display devices such as field emission displays (FEDs) and flat-panel type vacuum fluorescent displays (fluorescent display tubes) have been actively conducted.

Meanwhile, electron beam or ultraviolet irradiation can cause some zinc oxides (ZnO) to emit blue-green light (i.e. green light containing a blue element). Fluorescent powders of such zinc oxides are characterized by exhibiting high light emission efficiencies upon low-speed electron beam irradiation at an accelerating voltage of 1 kV or less. Therefore, they have been used in practice for vacuum fluorescent displays. However, fluorescent powders have some drawbacks when applied to novel display devices such as field emission displays and flat-panel type vacuum fluorescent displays.

Zinc oxides (ZnO) have been gaining attention in terms of fluorescence compared with other sulfide-based phosphorus materials. Zinc oxides (ZnO) have fluorescence properties that are influenced by structural formations thereof. This is because surface defects of zinc oxides (ZnO) significantly influence the fluorescence excitation bands and intensities.

It has been attempted to form thin-film zinc oxide fluorescent substances by use of electron beam deposition methods, sputtering methods, pulse laser deposition methods, spray pyrolysis methods, and other methods. However, it is still impossible to obtain a practically available thin-film fluorescent substance that exhibits high intensity and high light emission efficiency. In addition, when using the above conventional methods, it is necessary to heat a substrate at a high temperature or carry out heat treatment at a high temperature. Therefore, it is difficult to cause formation of a zinc oxide fluorescent substance thin film on a transparent conductive layer or a color filter without inducing deterioration of such layer or filter. As a result, light emission intensity and color purity deteriorate, which is problematic.

As an aside, JP Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2005-039131 A discloses a process for producing a zinc oxide single crystal with the use of a hydrothermal synthesis method. Specifically, the document discloses a process for producing a zinc oxide single crystal wafer, which comprises a two-stage heat treatment step involving a pre-heat treatment for realization of low resistance and a subsequent heat treatment for planarization.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed in JP Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2005-039131 A concerns a process for producing a zinc oxide single crystal with the use of a hydrothermal synthesis method. In this case, however, a product of interest is a zinc oxide single crystal wafer. For the purpose of using a zinc oxide (ZnO) single crystal for light emitting devices, display devices, fluorescent lamps, and the like, a fluorescent powder that can result in high density orientation has been awaited. In order to obtain a fluorescent powder from a block product such as a zinc oxide single crystal wafer, it is necessary to carry out a pulverization step. However, pulverization is likely to cause generation of crystal surface defects or incorporation of impurities, which is seriously problematic.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to produce a zinc oxide single crystal powder at low cost without the need for a pulverization step or a similar step. Such crystal powder can be oriented in high density and is most suitable for light emitting devices, display devices, fluorescent lamps, and the like.

The present inventors have found that a zinc oxide single crystal powder with a specific structure that is obtained by a specific production process has excellent properties as a fluorescent powder. This has led to the completion of the present invention.

Specifically, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a fluorescent powder composed mainly of an acicular or fibrous zinc oxide single crystal having an aspect ratio of 5 or higher. Since the fluorescent powder of the present invention is an acicular or fibrous fluorescent powder having an aspect ratio of 5 or higher, high density orientation can be achieved and thus the fluorescent powder is most suitable for light emitting devices, display devices, fluorescent lamps, and the like.

The fluorescent powder of the present invention may contain, as a dopant, one or more selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Cd, Fe, Ni, Al, and Sn. When the fluorescent powder is doped with Co or the like, a variety of peak wavelengths (fluorescence colors) can be obtained. In addition, it is possible to allow the single crystal to have different formations.

According to the present invention, fluorescent powders having several wavelengths can be obtained. However, a typical example thereof is a fluorescent powder having a luminescence peak observed by photoluminescence (PL) evaluation in the neighborhood of 600 nm. Also, a fluorescent powder having two luminescence peaks observed by photoluminescence (PL) evaluation in the neighborhoods of 500 nm and 600 nm can be obtained.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a process for producing the above fluorescent powder composed mainly of an acicular or fibrous zinc oxide (ZnO) single crystal having an aspect ratio of 5 or higher, which comprises the following steps: a step of producing a raw material solution selected from the group consisting of a raw material solution (A) that is an alkali solution containing zinc ions, a raw material solution (B) that is a solution containing zinc ions and ions of dopant element, and a mixed solution of the raw material solution (A) and the raw material solution (B); and a hydrothermal reaction step wherein a hydrothermal reaction of the mixed solution is carried out in a hermetically sealed vessel at a subcritical or supercritical temperature and at a subcritical or supercritical pressure. According to the present invention, a fluorescent powder of an acicular or fibrous zinc oxide (ZnO) single crystal having an aspect ratio of 5 or higher can be directly produced without a pulverization step or a similar step.

In the process for producing a fluorescent powder of the present invention, the zinc ions may be unsaturated, semi-saturated, or saturated in the raw material solution (A), the raw material solution (B), and the mixed solution of the raw material solution (A) and the raw material solution (B).

As described above, in the process for producing a fluorescent powder of the present invention, the ions of dopant element are preferably ions of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Cd, Fe, Ni, Al, and Sn.

In the process for producing a fluorescent powder of the present invention, a preferable example of the hydrothermal reaction step includes a reaction under conditions of 200° C. to 250° C. for 1 to 30 hours. Further, in addition to the above one-stage hydrothermal reaction step, another preferable example includes a two-stage hydrothermal reaction step wherein a reaction at 200° C. to 250° C. for 1 to 30 hours and a subsequent reaction at 400° C. to 600° C. for 30 minutes to 10 hours are carried out.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the fluorescent powder. Examples thereof include a light emitting element such as an LED having a light emitting layer comprising the fluorescent powder and a display device comprising the light emitting element. In addition, the examples include a fluorescent lamp comprising a translucent glass tube loaded with a charged gas containing mercury, a fluorescence film provided on the inner wall of the translucent glass tube, and a means of maintaining positive column discharge in the charged gas, in which the fluorescence film comprises the fluorescent powder.

The fluorescent powder of the present invention is an acicular or fibrous fluorescent powder having an aspect ratio of 5 or higher. Therefore, high density orientation can be achieved and thus the fluorescent powder is most suitable as a fluorescent substance for light emitting devices, display devices, fluorescent lamps, and the like. In addition, in the process for producing a fluorescent powder of the present invention, a fluorescent powder of an acicular or fibrous zinc oxide (ZnO) single crystal having an aspect ratio of 5 or higher can be directly produced without a pulverization step or a similar step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows fluorescence wavelength spectrum of fluorescent powders wherein Co, Mn, Cd, Fe, and Ni are used as ions of dopant element and a spectrum of an undoped fluorescent powder.

FIGS. 2A to 2C show SEM images of the fluorescent powder in Example 43.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The Examples and the Comparative Examples of the present invention are described below.

1: Reagents

A commercially available special grade ZnCl₂ reagent was used. In addition, CoSO₄.7H₂O, MnSO₄.5H₂O, Cd (NO₃)₂.4H₂O, FeCl₃.6H₂O, NiSO₄.6H₂O, SnCl₂, and Al (NO₃).9H₂O were used as dopant reagents.

2: Preparation of Raw Material Solutions

Solution A:

(1) 8 M NaOH aqueous solution (50 ml) was added to 0.01 M aqueous solution (50 ml) of any one of the above dopant reagents.

(2) A precipitate is formed during the operation in (1) above. 0.3 M ZnCl₂ aqueous solution (100 ml) was added to the obtained solution containing the precipitate.

(3) A transparent solution obtained by filtration to remove the precipitate was designated as solution A.

Solution B:

A transparent solution obtained by mixing 4 M NaOH aqueous solution (100 ml) with 0.3 M ZnCl₂ aqueous solution (100 ml) was designated as solution B.

Herein, the concentration unit “M” corresponds to “mol/1000 ml (solution).” The solution A was an alkaline solution. Zn was completely dissolved in the alkaline solution, and the alkaline solution was saturated with dopant metal ions. However, the concentration thereof varied depending on the metal type. Solution A and solution B had identical NaOH concentrations and identical ZnCl₂ concentrations. However, solution A contained metal ions used as dopants.

3: Hydrothermal Treatment Process

(1) Process for Mixing Solution A with Solution B (Half Saturated)

Solution A and Solution B (each 30 ml) were introduced into a Teflon (trade name)-lined container (interior volume: 80 ml). The container was loaded into a stainless-steel autoclave. The autoclave was placed in an air oven and heated at 220° C. at a saturated vapor pressure (23.7 MPa) for 10 hours. The heating-up period was approximately 1 hour. After the treatment, the oven was turned off and the autoclave was naturally cooled in the oven.

(2) Process Using Solution A (Saturated)

The hydrothermal treatment was carried out similarly to the above process with use of Solution A (60 ml).

(3) (Over Saturated)

When solution A was prepared, filtration was carried out to remove a precipitate. However, in this case, hydrothermal treatment was carried out in the manner described above without filtration such that a precipitate remained therein.

4: Fluorescence Evaluation

Table 1 shows starting solutions, synthesis conditions for hydrothermal reaction, and the like for fluorescent powders wherein Co, Mn, Cd, Fe or Ni is used as ions of dopant element in Examples 1 to 20 and undoped fluorescent powders in Examples 21 to 24. In addition, for reference, table 1 lists commercially available fluorescent powders in Comparative Examples 1 to 3. A hydrothermal reaction including two-stage heating was carried out in Examples 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19. A hydrothermal reaction including two-stage heating was carried out in Examples 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20.

TABLE 1
			Metal ion concentration
	Dopant		(10−2 wt %)
	transition		obtained by the atomic
Sample No.	metal ion	Starting solution	absorption method	Synthesis condition
Example 1	Co	A + B Half-saturated	0.87	220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 2	Co	A + B Half-saturated	0.87	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 3	Co	A saturated	1.53	220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 4	Co	A saturated	1.53	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 5	Mn	A + B Half-saturated		220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 6	Mn	A + B Half-saturated		220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 7	Mn	A saturated		220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 8	Mn	A saturated		220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 9	Cd	A + B Half-saturated	0.48	220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 10	Cd	A + B Half-saturated	0.48	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 11	Cd	A saturated	0.83	220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 12	Cd	A saturated	0.83	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 13	Fe	A + B Half-saturated	2.73	220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 14	Fe	A + B Half-saturated	2.73	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 15	Fe	A saturated	4.87	220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 16	Fe	A saturated	4.87	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 17	Ni	A + B Half-saturated		220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 18	Ni	A + B Half-saturated		220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 19	Ni	A saturated		220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 20	Ni	A saturated		220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 21	Undoped	B		220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 22	Undoped	B		220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 23	Undoped	ZnCl2 aqueous	Plate shape	220° C. × 10 Hr
		solution (Ph = 7)
Example 24	Undoped	ZnCl2 aqueous	Plate shape	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
		solution (Ph = 7)
Comparative	Commercially available	Sakai Chemical		Unknown
Example 1	product (wet-process	Industry Co., Ltd.
	product)
Comparative	Commercially available	Sakai Chemical		Unknown
Example 2	product (calcination	Industry Co., Ltd.
	product)
Comparative	Fine × 50	Sakai Chemical		Unknown
Example 3	(fine product)	Industry Co., Ltd.

Further, table 2 shows fluorescence properties (peak wavelengths and peak intensities) and forms of single crystal (maximum crystal sizes and aspect ratios) of the individual fluorescent powders listed in table 1. In addition, a process for evaluating photoluminescence (PL) properties is as follows.

(1.) A sample powder is dispersed on a glass plate by dropwise addition of ethanol

(2) Spectrometer: SPEX1702

(3) Grating: 1200 grooves/mm (blaze wavelength: 500 nm)

Process for Spectral Detection of Fluorescence with Diffraction Gratings

(4) Excitation light source: He—Cd laser 325 nm @ 5 mW

(5) Detector: photomultiplier: photoelectron amplifying tube R1387

(6) Measurement temperature: room temperature

(7) Measurement wavelength: 400 to 750 nm

(8) Intensity value may vary within ± several tens of percentage (%) since measurement is carried out with use of samples in powder form

TABLE 2
	PL properties	Form of single crystal
	Peak		Maximum
	wavelength	Peak	crystal size	Aspect
Sample No.	(nm)	intensity	(μm)	ratio
Example 1	591	950	22 × 1.2	18.3
Example 2	614 + 500	1238 + 600	15 × 0.4	37.5
Example 3	588	387
Example 4	613	1542
Example 5	591	1000	19 × 1.9	10
Example 6	612	2519	16.4 × 2.3	7.1
Example 7	611	359
Example 8	615	2248
Example 9	601	950	19.2 × 1.9	10.1
Example 10	612 + 500	2088 + 1300	23.1 × 2.7	8.6
Example 11	601	770
Example 12	615	2274
Example 13	594	1300	21.2 × 1.9	8.6
Example 14	611 + 500	1749 + 900	17.3 × 2.3	7.5
Example 15	603	1004
Example 16	614	1567
Example 17	590	828	18.5 × 1.5	12.3
Example 18	613	2807	15.4 × 1.9	8.1
Example 19	602	374
Example 20	613	3548
Example 21	593	1255	76.9 × 5.8	13.3
Example 22	612	3057
Example 23	6309 (broad)	25
Example 24	604 + 430	118 + 60
Comparative	560	85
Example 1
Comparative	508	4075	6.7 × 2.0	3.4
Example 2
Comparative	577	34
Example 3

The results listed in table 2 show that the fluorescent powders in the Examples of the present invention demonstrated strong fluorescence at their respective peak wavelengths and had aspect ratios of 5.0 or higher, while on the other hand, the fluorescent powders in the Comparative Examples demonstrated weak fluorescence at their respective peak wavelengths or had aspect ratios of 5.0 or lower. In particular, it is shown that each of the fluorescent powders in Examples 2, 10, 14, and 24 had two peak wavelengths.

FIG. 1 shows fluorescence wavelength spectra of fluorescent powders wherein Co, Mn, Cd, Fe or Ni is used as ions of dopant element and a spectrum of an undoped fluorescent powder.

Table 3 shows starting solutions and synthesis conditions of hydrothermal reaction for other fluorescent powders wherein Co, Mn, Cd, Fe or Ni is used as ions of dopant element in Examples 25 to 39 and undoped fluorescent powders in Examples 40 to 42.

TABLE 3
	Dopant
	transition
Sample no.	metal ion	Starting solution	Synthesis condition
Example 25	Mn	A saturated Mn	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 26	Mn	A + B Half-saturated Mn	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 27	Mn	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 28	Ni	A saturated Ni	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 29	Ni	A + B Half-saturated Ni	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 30	Ni	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 31	Co	A saturated Co	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 32	Co	A + B Half-saturated Co	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 33	Co	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 34	Cd	A saturated Cd	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 35	Cd	A + B Half-saturated Cd	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 36	Cd	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 37	Fe	A saturated Fe	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 38	Fe	A + B Half-saturated Fe	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 39	Fe	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 40	Undoped	B	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 41	Undoped	B	220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 42	Undoped	B	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr

Further, table 4 shows fluorescence properties (peak wavelengths and peak intensities) and forms of single crystal (maximum crystal sizes and aspect ratios) of the individual fluorescent powders listed in table 3,

TABLE 4
	PL properties	Form of single crystal
	Peak		Maximum
	wavelength	Peak	crystal size	Aspect
Sample no.	(nm)	intensity	(μm)	ratio
Example 25	613	2709	33.5 × 3.8	8.8
Example 26	613	3024	43.9 × 7.7	5.7
Example 27	615	1409	30.3 × 3.2	9.5
Example 28	612	2692	21.9 × 3.8	5.8
Example 29	613	2956	32.3 × 2.9	11.1
Example 30	613	2038	37.4 × 3.8	9.8
Example 31	613	1023	19.4 × 1.6	12.1
Example 32	615	1713	45.2 × 5.2	8.7
Example 33	620	412	18.7 × 2.3	8.1
Example 34	436/611	3132/3016	73.5 × 3.9	18.8
Example 35	614	3206	20.6 × 2.6	7.9
Example 36	614	2029	15.5 × 2.3	6.7
Example 37	612	1765	29.0 × 3.9	7.4
Example 38	609	1767	23.2 × 2.6	8.9
Example 39	615	772	45.2 × 5.2	8.7
Example 40	613	3338	16.8 × 1.9	8.8
Example 41	596	1212	29.7 × 1.9	15.6
Example 42	615	3136	49.0 × 5.2	9.4

The results listed in table 4 show that the fluorescent powders in the Examples of the present invention demonstrated strong fluorescence at their respective peak wavelengths and had aspect ratios of 5.0 or higher. In particular, it is shown that the fluorescent powder in Example 34 had two peak wavelengths.

Table 5 shows starting solutions and synthesis conditions of hydrothermal reaction for other fluorescent powders wherein AI, Sn, Mn, Co, Cd or Fe is used as ions of dopant element in Examples 43 to 53 and undoped fluorescent powders in Examples 54 and 55.

TABLE 5
	Dopant
	transition
Sample no.	metal ion	Starting solution	Synthesis condition
Example 43	Al	Saturated A	220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 44	Al	Saturated A	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 45	Al	Over saturated A	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 46	Sn	Saturated A	220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 47	Sn	Saturated A	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 48	Sn	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 49	Mn	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 50	Ni	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 51	Co	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 52	Cd	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 53	Fe	Over saturated	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr
Example 54	No	Undoped B	220° C. × 10 Hr
Example 55	No	Undoped B	220° C. × 10 Hr  500° C. × 5 Hr

Further, table 6 shows fluorescence properties (peak wavelengths and peak intensities) and forms of single crystal (maximum crystal size and aspect ratios) of the individual fluorescent powders listed in table 5.

TABLE 6
	PL properties	Form of single crystal
	Peak		Maximum
	wavelength	Peak	crystal size	Aspect
Sample No.	(nm)	intensity	(μm)	ratio
Example 43	392/608	33/632	50.0 × 5.0	10.0
Example 44	612	1893	35.0 × 5.2	6.7
Example 45	610	1678	51.7 × 5.0	10.3
Example 46	390/592	172/270	36.7 × 4.2	8.7
Example 47	615	2430	63.3 × 3.3	19.2
Example 48	617	1834	28.3 × 2.5	11.3
Example 49	615	819	56.7 × 5.3	10.7
Example 50	612	2038	95.0 × 5.8	16.4
Example 51	612	647	55.0 × 2.7	20.4
Example 52	616	2497	26.7 × 2.5	10.7
Example 53	617	925	41.7 × 3.3	12.6
Example 54	382/563	26/148
Example 55	382/572	65/263

The results listed in table 6 show that the fluorescent powders in the Examples of the present invention demonstrated strong fluorescence at their respective peak wavelengths and had aspect ratios of 5.0 or higher. In particular, it is shown that each of the fluorescent powders in Examples 43, 46, 54, and 55 had two peak wavelengths.

FIGS. 2A to 2C show SEM images of the fluorescent powder in Example 43. As is apparent from FIGS. 2A to 2C, it is shown that the fluorescent powder of the present invention is an acicular or fibrous zinc oxide single crystal.

A zinc oxide crystal can also be formed into a columnar crystal by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). However, in this process, columnar crystals are merely arranged in a film and a dispersed powder crystal cannot be obtained. The columnar crystal growth is observed in the C-axis direction. Therefore, it is considered that the reason for columnar crystal growth is attributed to the crystal structure. On the other hand, the reason for high aspect ratios obtained by the hydrothermal synthesis method is considered that, under hydrothermal conditions, the growth rate is higher than that in the case of vapor growth, which results in obvious growth in the C-axis direction. Even under hydrothermal conditions, it is possible to induce growth of a large bulk (non-acicular) crystal by reducing the growth rate.

An acicular or fibrous zinc oxide single crystal obtained by hydrothermal synthesis can be monodispersed and has columnar form. Therefore, it is considered that such crystal is advantageous for use as a fluorescent material for a variety of systems. For instance, since a columnar single crystal is oriented in a specific crystal plane, the light emission efficiency (included among the fluorescent substance properties) of such crystal becomes higher than that of a zinc oxide crystal having a usual form. The acicular or fibrous zinc oxide single crystal of the present invention is characterized in that it can be formed into a high-density powder compact, that it can be easily molded, and that it is unlikely to aggregate, for example. Thus, the use of such crystal is effective for downsizing or thinning a system.

Hereinafter, an explanation is made for a fluorescent powder composed of a zinc oxide single crystal that has photoluminescence (PL) properties characterized by two peaks. A fluorescent material is a basic material that is essential for white LEDs, plasma display panels (PDPs), next-generation lighting systems, inorganic EL displays, light accumulation materials, light emission displays, and the like. Commercially available zinc oxide fluorescent substances emit purple light. However, the fluorescent powder composed of a zinc oxide single crystal of the present invention emits yellow light. A material having photoluminescence (PL) properties characterized by two peaks has a yellow-to-orange peak and an orange-to-green peak. In short, it is possible to obtain an intermediate color between yellow and green. As described above, the powdery luminescent material composed of an acicular or fibrous zinc oxide single crystal of the present invention is advantageous in that the luminescent color thereof can be controlled and can be selected from a wide range of colors.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The fluorescent powder of the present invention is an acicular or fibrous fluorescent powder having an aspect ratio of 5 or higher. Therefore, high density orientation can be achieved and thus the fluorescent powder is most suitable for light emitting devices, display devices, fluorescent lamps, and the like. In particular, it is expected to be used as an LED fluorescent substance or a fluorescent substance used for next-generation lighting systems.

Claims

1. A process for producing a fluorescent powder comprising an acicular or fibrous zinc oxide single crystal with an aspect ratio of 5 or higher, comprising: a step of producing a raw material solution selected from the group consisting of a raw material solution (A) that is a solution containing zinc ions and ions of dopant element, a raw material solution (B) that is an alkali solution containing zinc ions, and a mixed solution of the raw material solution (A) and the raw material solution (B); anda hydrothermal reaction step wherein a hydrothermal reaction of the raw material solution is carried out in a hermetically sealed vessel at a subcritical or supercritical pressure, wherein the hydrothermal reaction step is carried out at a temperature from 200° C. to 250° C. for 1 to 30 hours and subsequently carried out at a temperature from 400° C. to 600° C. for 30 minutes to 10 hours.

2. The process for producing a fluorescent powder according to claim 1, wherein the zinc ions are unsaturated, semi-saturated, or saturated in the raw material solution (A), in the raw material solution (B), or in the mixed solution of the raw material solution (A) and the raw material solution (B).

3. The process for producing a fluorescent powder according to claim 1, wherein the ions of dopant element are ions of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn, Cd, Fe, Ni, Al, and Sn.