Synthesis of SrTiO3 : Al, Pr phosphors from a complex precursor polymer and their luminescent properties

Red emitting Pr3+, Al3+ doped SrTiO3 phosphor was synthesized by a polymeri c complex method using metallic nitrates, ethylene glycol and citric acid. SrTiO3 phosphor powder with a large surface area, small particle size and l ow agglomeration was formed at a low temperature of 600 degreesC. Different particle growth tendency was also observed both above and below 900 degree sC. The luminescent properties of SrTiO3:Al, Pr phosphor were investigated by photoluminescence. Under 359 nm excitation, SrTiO3:Al, Pr phosphor exhib ited a strong red emission, peaking at about 620 nm. The intensity of the e xcitation spectra was enhanced by the addition of Al3+ ions. The luminescen ce mechanism may be related to the interaction between Pr3+ and Al3+ ions. Al3+ ions absorb the exciting radiation, and this absorbed energy is transf erred to the Pr3+ ions and then emitted from the Pr3+ ions. (C) 2001 Publis hed by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.