Optimization method for green SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphors synthesized via co-precipitation route assisted by microwave irradiation using orthogonal experimental design

A kind of Eu2+ and Dy3+ co-doped strontium aluminate green long-lasting phosphor was synthesized via a coprecipitation synthesis method assisted by microwave irradiation in a weak reductive atmosphere of active carbon. The synthesis conditions were optimized with orthogonal experiments and the optimum technological parameters were obtained. Subsequently, the crystal structure, morphology and optical property of the composites were characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns illustrated that the samples were composed of single-phase SrAl2O4. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the resultant nanoparticles had well-dispersed distribution and flake-like morphology with an average size of about 500 nm in width and 70 nm in thickness. The excitation and emission spectra indicated that excitation broadband chiefly lied in the ultraviolet range and naocrystalline particles emitted strong light at 508 nm corresponding to the typical characteristic 511-4f transition of Eu2+ ion under around 325 nm excitation. And the long afterglow photoluminescence of SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+ was observed in the dark with the naked eye after the removal of the excitation light. Furthermore, the microwave method requires a very short heating-time and the energy consumption. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.