Enhanced luminescence properties of Sr3−xEuxAlO4−yNyF phosphors

Luminescent materials with the chemical formula Sr3−xEuxAlO4−yNyF were prepared by a solid-state reaction. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence emission and excitation spectra, the lifetime, the temperature-dependent luminescence, and the effects of Eu3+ and N3− concentrations were investigated in detail. Partial substitution of Sr2+ by Eu3+ and O2− by N3− in Sr3−xEuxAlO4−yNyF contributes to form quadrangular crystals, and enhance the thermal stability against the temperature quenching effect. After the partial replacement of Sr2+ by Eu3+ and O2− by N3− ions in the Sr3AlO4F host structure, the emission intensity was enhanced and the charge-transfer band of O2p→Eu4f shifted to higher wavelength.