Tuning luminescence properties of Eu3+ doped CaAl2O4 nanophosphores with Na+ co-doping

► Sol-gel method was successfully applied to obtain CaAl2O4:Eu3+ and CaAl2O4:Eu3+, Na+ phosphors. ► Prepared compound structures were confirmed by X-Ray diffraction and TEM analysis. ► Unusual spectroscopic properties appeared in excitation spectra were described. ► Effect of the charge compensation on the luminescence properties was investigated.