Combustion synthesis and characterization of nanosized powder SrAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor

A stoichiometric SrAl2O4:Eu2+ nanosized powder was synthesized by combustion synthesis using urea at 500 degrees Celsius. The crystal structure, element and phase composition, and particle size were analyzed with the aim to study the properties of nanosized SrAl2O4:Eu2+ green phosphor and its application. X-ray Diffraction pattern revealed that the SrAl2O4:Eu2+ crystallizes were a major phase, and Sr4Al14O25 as a secondary phase with a small amount of the dopant has no effect on the crystal structure of SrAl2O4. Crystalline structure can be observed and enhanced by calcination at 1000 degrees Celsius with 2-h soaking time in a reductive atmosphere. Nucleation of particles occurs and forms a needle-like structure for SrAl2O4 and a star-like structure for SrAl2O4:Eu2+. This structure is unstable and agglomerates during calcination at 1000 degrees Celsius to form a stable specific flower-like structure which enhances the glowing effect of the samples. (authors)