Photoluminescence studies of cerium doped strontium aluminate nanophosphors (SrAl2O4:Ce)

The present paper reports synthesis and characterization of trivalent Cerium (Ce3+) doped Strontium Aluminate (SrAl2O4) nanophosphors. Pure and doped strontium aluminates were prepared their characteristics were studied and compared. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) with variable concentration of Ce (0.05-0.8 mol %), no phase change is found with increase in concentration of Cerium (Ce). The FTIR Studies were also done which confirm the composition of prepared phosphor. Effect of variable concentrations of Cerium on Photoluminescence (PL) was studied. In photoluminescence (PL) studies the excitation wavelength was found around 320 nm and an intense broad emission peak appears around 380 nm which may be due to the 5d-4f transition. Photoluminescence peak intensity versus concentration graph shows that intensity is maximum for 0.4 mol % of doping concentration, and then it decreases with further increase in doping percentage. Sample was prepared by Combustion technique which is less time taking and suitable for large scale production of nanophosphors.