Preparation of MAl2O4: Eu2+, Sm3+ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) Phosphors by the Combustion Method and their Luminescent Properties

A series of MAl 2 O 4 : Eu 2+ , Sm 3+ (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) phosphors was prepared by the combustion method, and the influence of these alkaline earth metals on the structure and luminescent performances for these phosphors was investigated. A relationship was established between their composition, crystallization capacity and luminescent properties. The results show that the CaAl 2 O 4 : Eu 2+ , Sm 3+ and SrAl 2 O 4 : Eu 2+ , Sm 3+ phosphors exhibit monoclinic crystal systems and that the BaAl 2 O 4 : Eu 2+ , Sm 3+ phosphor exhibits a hexagonal structure. The alkaline earth metal has a positive effect on the crystallization process, the heat treatment procedure and the luminescent properties of the corresponding phosphors. According to the order Ca > Sr > Ba, the maximum emission wavelengths of the corresponding phosphors are found at 505 nm, 490 nm and 478 nm, and the relevant colours of emitted light are between blue and green, which indicates that there is a clear blue shift in the emission spectra, but their excitation spectra show almost no difference. The decay curve shows that the afterglow intensity and time are not only related to the activating processes and the hole transport, but also to the phase structure and the grain size,which is in the order Sr>Ca>Ba. Keywords:  Long afterglow, alkaline earth aluminates, spectra, combustion method