Mechanoluminescence properties of SrAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor by combustion synthesis

In this paper, europium-doped strontium aluminate (SrAl2O4:Eu2+) phosphors were synthesized using a combustion method with urea as a fuel at 600°C. The phase structure, particle size, surface morphology and elemental analysis were studied using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The EDX and FTIR spectra confirm the elements present in the SrAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor. The optical properties of SrAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphors were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) and mechanoluminescence (ML). The excitation and emission spectra showed a broad band with peaks at 337 and 515 nm, respectively. The ML intensities of SrAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor increased proportionally with the increase in the height of the mechanical load, which suggests that this phosphor could be used in stress sensors. The CIE colour chromaticity diagram and ML spectra confirm that the SrAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor emitted green coloured light. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.