Synthesis and enhanced luminescent characterization of SrAl4O7:Eu2+,RE3+ (RE = Nd, Dy) nanophosphors for light emitting applications

SrAl4O7:Eu2+,RE3+ (RE = Nd, Dy) nanophosphors were efficiently synthesized with a facile fast gel combustion procedure in presence of air. During the synthesis process, urea was used as an organic fuel. Boric acid was applied as reducer as well as flux for the reduction of Eu3+ ions into Eu2+. Phase composition, morphology and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the prepared SrAl4O7:Eu2+,RE3+ phosphors were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and PL techniques respectively. SEM results showed agglomeration with fluffy shapes having voids and pores and further nanostructural details were obtained with TEM. The divalent europium doped SrAl4O7 phosphors showed broad band emission spectra at 506 nm due to 8H3/2 → 8S7/2 transition on excitation at 360 nm. The prepared nanophosphors had high brightness and long afterglow properties which could be efficiently applied in variety of potential light emitting applications.