Dual-driven ratiometric luminescence behaviour of Eu2+ and Eu3+ in a single host of SrAl2O4 prepared in ambient atmosphere

Abstract

Eu2+/Eu3+ co-activated luminescence as a key technology has gradually attracted attention in many research and application fields, including solid-state lighting, printing and dyeing, temperature sensing, etc. Here, by virtue of the unique self-reduction characteristics of Eu3+ in certain host lattices, Eu2+/Eu3+ co-activated luminescent material of SrAl2O4:Eu2+/3+ with single host lattice was prepared by solid-state reaction in the ambient atmosphere. The phase composition and crystal structure were determined by X-ray powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement. The micromorphology was observed by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. From the perspective of applied science, the dual-driven luminescence behavior and temperature-sensing properties of the material were studied and discussed. The ratiometric luminescence of Eu2+ and Eu3+ in SrAl2O4 can be regulated by the excitation wavelength from ultraviolet to visible light. The luminescent material shows temperature-sensing performance superior to other similar Eu2+/Eu3+ co-activated luminescent materials, with absolute sensitivity of 0.067 K−1 and relative sensitivity of 1.6% K−1. The development of this luminescent material provides a unique insight for designing novel Eu2+/Eu3+ co-activated luminescent materials for multifunctional applications.