From natural attapulgite to phosphor materials: Characterization, photoluminescence and structure

Highlights: • Sr_2.965Al_0.08Si_0.92O₅:0.025Ce³⁺, 0.01Eu²⁺ phosphor was synthesized from natural attapulgite. • Pure Sr₃SiO₅ phase can be easily obtained. • It provides a new application field as phosphor for natural attapulgite. - Abstract: Sr_2.965Al_0.08Si_0.92O₅:0.025Ce³⁺, 0.01Eu²⁺ (SrAlSiO:Ce³⁺, Eu²⁺) phosphor from natural attapulgite (ATP) was synthesized by solid-state reaction method. For the use of ATP as a source of Si and Al, pretreatment process including mechanical grinding and acid leaching were involved. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of silicates in a wide temperature field, whereas Sr₃SiO₅ within a single step. The ATP fibers were tuning into phosphor particles (about 1.5–3.0 μm) after calcination. Furthermore, photoluminescence spectra of the SrAlSiO:Ce³⁺, Eu²⁺ phosphor was also in good agreement with the literature results, indicating a promising potential application as an effective candidate for warm-white LEDs materials