Synthesis and characterization of europium-doped Sr3Al2O6 phosphors by sol-gel technique

This paper reports the detailed preparation process of Eu2+ activated Sr3Al2O6 by a sol-gel method in the reducing atmosphere. The effect of the calcining temperature on the microstructure, crystalline particle morphology and luminescence properties of Sr3Al2O6:Eu2+ is systematically discussed. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence spectrophotometer were employed to characterize the phosphor. The Sr3Al2O6:Eu2+ phosphor powders calcined at 1200 degrees C for 2 h possessed a Sr3Al2O6 single cubic phase. The Sr3Al2O6:Eu2+ crystallites showed flower-like morphology. The Sr3Al2O6:Eu2+ phosphor powders exhibited a red broad emission band with emission peak at 612 nm under 472 nm excitation. Especially the Sr3Al2O6:Eu2+ phosphor powders prepared at 1200 degrees C showed the strongest luminescence intensity, due to the pure phase and higher crystallinity of Sr3Al2O6.