A novel approach for preparation of Sr3Al2O6:Eu2 +, Dy3 + nanoparticles by sol–gel–microwave processing

Red long afterglow Sr3Al2O6:Eu2 +, Dy3 + (S3A2O-ED) nanopowders have been prepared by using the conventional sol–gel process and the microwave heating technique. XRD confirmed a cubic Sr3Al2O6 single phase for the phosphors. The phosphor powders have a rod-like morphology with little aggregation and the nanorods with diameters of about 80 nm and lengths of about 1 μm. The S3A2O-ED phosphors exhibited a broad excitation band chiefly in visible range and a red broad emission band of main peak at 612 nm under the excitation of 473 nm. Especially the S3A2O-ED phosphors prepared in 20 min of heating time at 680 W exhibited the strongest luminescent intensity and longest decay time.

► Sr3Al2O6: Eu, Dy nanopowders have been prepared by sol-gel-microwave processing. ► The phosphor powders have a rod-like morphology and diameters of about 80 nm. ► The phosphors exhibited a red broad emission band of main peak at 612 nm.