Yellow persistent luminescence of Sr2SiO4:Eu2+,Dy3+

► Phase formation of Sr2SiO4 can be governed by preparation and dopants. ► Introduction of Dy3+ into Sr2SiO4:Eu causes afterglow. ► Supra-bandgap excitation results in stronger afterglow as sub-bandgap excitation. ► Monoclinic Sr2SiO4:Eu,Dy shows stronger afterglow than orthorhombic one.