A yellow-emitting nanophosphor of Ce3+-activated aluminate Sr3LuAl2O7.5

A yellow-emitting nanophosphor of Ce3+-activated Sr3LuAl2O7.5 was prepared by chemical sol–gel method. The X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were applied to characterize the phosphors. The luminescence properties such as the photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra, the internal quantum efficiency (QE) and the luminescence decay curve (lifetime) were investigated. The Ce3+-activator concentration has an influence on the luminescence properties. Ce3+-activated Sr3LuAl2O7.5 exhibits brightest yellow emission with the internal quantum efficiency of 57%. The thermal stability of the yellow-emitting phosphor was evaluated by the temperature-dependent luminescence and the activation energy for thermal quenching. The luminescence properties of Ce3+-activated Sr3LuAl2O7.5 was discussed in comparisons with famous yellow-emitting YAG:Ce3+. This new nanophosphor could be a potential yellow-emitting phosphor for an application in lighting and display.