Photoluminescence Properties of SrAl2O4: Pr3+ Phosphors for Red Light Sources

A series of trivalent praseodymium (Pr3+) ion-activated SrAl2O4 phosphors were prepared by solid-state reaction and characterized. The morphology of prepared phosphors was examined through SEM and TEM studies. The adjacent spacing of lattice fringes was estimated to be ~0.28 nm for the (310) crystal plane of the SrAl2O4 structure. The luminescence properties were studied by exciting the prepared phosphors within the host as well as Pr3+ ions. For efficient luminescence, the concentration of Pr3+ ions was optimized to be 2.0 mol.%. The colour perception of emitted luminescence was examined by evaluating the chromaticity coordinates. The observed quenching in luminescence and the gradual decrease in lifetime with increase of Pr3+ concentration was assigned to the multi-polar interaction mechanism among the excited Pr3+ ions at higher concentrations. The studied phosphors show more proficiency for solid-state red light sources.Graphical Abstract