Controlled synthesis of carbon-based alumina nanophosphors with tunable blue-green luminescence

Carbon-based alumina nanophosphors were prepared by a facile liquid process. The nanophosphors showed high photoluminescence properties, and tunable color emission from blue to green. The luminescent intensity and color were controlled by simply manipulating of polyethylene glycol and urea amounts, respectively. Oxygen deficiency, surface defects, and carboxylic impurities are considered to be possible emission mechanisms.