Synthesis and luminescent property of Sr2CeO4 phosphor via EDTA-complexing process

A blue-white emitting Sr2CeO4 phosphor with orthorhombic structure was synthesized via a simple ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-complexing process using strontium nitrate and cerous nitrate as raw materials at a relatively low temperature. The crystalline phase, microstructure and morphology of the resulting particles were studied by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra and transmission electron microscopy. The obtained Sr2CeO4 powders consisted of uniform crotch-like grains with size of ca. 100 nm. The interplanar distance of d111 was 0.297 nm. Photoluminescence studies at room temperature showed strong luminescent behavior for the superfine particles. Two excitation bands were located at ∼280 and ∼345 nm, respectively. The intensity of the latter excitation band exceeded that of the former while the precursors were calcined at 1000 °C. The emission spectrum was a broad band at 472 nm, which was suitable for the doping of rare earth ions.