Employing one crystalline phase to gain different phosphor emissions for distinctive applications: Preparation, crystallization and luminescence of SrAl₂B₂O₇ with different additions via glass ceramic technique

SrAl₂B₂O₇ phosphor was crystallized via glass-ceramic technique. The effect of adding TiO₂, Eu₂O₃, Dy₂O₃ and CeO₂ on both crystallization process and luminescent properties were studied using differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-Transform infrared absorption spectra (FT-IR), optical ultra violet (UV) -visible near infrared (NIR) absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The batches were melted around 1450 °C. New method to revealed reducing atmosphere was applied. DTA results show broad exothermic peak revealing surface crystallization. The XRD patterns depict crystallization of pure SrAl₂B₂O₇ in hexagonal form. Presence of CeO₂ enhances the crystallization of SrAl₂B₂O₇ phase while TiO₂ inhibit it. Increasing the time or temperature of heat treatment didn't affect the nature of the crystalline phase. Optical UV–visible NIR absorption and luminescent properties clarified the presence of titanium and cerium ions as Ti⁴⁺ and Ce³⁺ form, while europium present in both Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺. The resulting phosphor revealed different colors depending on the excited wavelength used and heat treatment applied.