Evaluation of sol–gel derived Eu2+ activated SrMgAl2SiO7 as a novel nanostructure luminescent pigment

A novel nanostructure pigment of Eu2+ doped SrMgAl2SiO7 was prepared via the sol–gel route. The phase composition and condition of crystallites during heating were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Investigation of optical properties by spectrophotometer illustrated that under short ultraviolet excitation wavelength, the main emission peak occurred at about 415–420 nm. Also, relatively pure purplish blue color was observed that can be ascribed to the 4f65d1(2D)→4f7(8S7/2) transition of Eu2+. The effect of calcination temperature on the luminescence properties of the phosphors was evaluated and, also in this case, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed. From colorimetry results, color coordinations of phosphor shift towards the deep blue region as calcination temperature increases. Finally, grain size of products at optimum calcination temperature was estimated to be about 20–30 nm using Scherrer’s equation, which was consistent with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations.