Er:SrF2 luminescent powders prepared by combustion synthesis

Combustion synthesis, a widely spread technique employed to produce low-cost high-yield oxide powders, was used to prepare fluoride powders for the first time. Surface morphology and structure of erbium (Er3+) doped strontium fluoride (SrF2) powders were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray powder diffraction. Samples were prepared with and without aluminum (Al) and we observed that the presence of Al helps the powder to crystallize in a pure SrF2 single cubic phase. Luminescence spectral analysis was also performed and we observed that among the samples investigated the Er3+:SrF2 powder prepared with Al using glycine is the most efficient luminescence up-converter. The luminescence results concords with Raman data of the samples.

► Strontium fluoride powders are prepared by combustion synthesis for the first time.
► Structural characterization and luminescence analysis of powders prepared using two different fuels: glycine and urea.
► Analysis of the influence of aluminum on the powders structure and luminescence properties.
► First time, to the best of our knowledge, that Raman spectroscopy is performed in SrF2 nanostructured material.