One step synthesis of Ce3+ activated aluminofluoride powders

One step, wet chemical synthesis of several aluminofluorides is described. Formation of single phase compounds was confirmed by XRD. Ce3+ activation was achieved during the synthesis itself. As prepared powders, without any heat treatment, exhibited intense, characteristic Ce3+ photoluminescence. It is suggested that availability of such powders will greatly facilitate growth of single crystals for applications like scintillators and solid-state lasers.