Precise Tuning of the Nanostructured Surface leading to the Luminescence Enhancement in SrAl2O4 Based Core/Shell Structure

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 7; no. 1; p. 462
• Main Authors: Rojas-Hernandez, Rocío Estefanía, Rubio-Marcos, Fernando, Serrano, Aida, Del Campo, Adolfo, Fernandez, José Francisco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 28.03.2017; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 140/133; 639/301/357/551; 639/925/357/551; Humanities and Social Sciences; multidisciplinary; Physics; Science; Science (multidisciplinary)
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00541-w

Intensive research has been focused on the synthesis of long-lasting SrAl 2 O 4 :EuDy in luminescent materials field. Traditionally, SrAl 2 O 4 :EuDy is synthesized in bulk form by solid state. However, their development remains restrained due to this technique is not compatible with large-scale production, sustainability and nanometer-scale requirements. Despite nano-range particles have been obtained by chemical routes, photoluminescence response decreases and application became unpractical. It remains a challenge to synthesize nonrare-earth (RE) phosphors with high photoluminescence. One major challenge for the luminescent materials community is to devise methods to deliver innovative, sustainable and cost effective solutions for the reduction of RE because of the lack of RE availability. Here, we suggest a solution based on molten salts, obtaining nanosheets or micro/nanostructured SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu, Dy particles with core-shell structure, employing only 50% of standard amounts of RE. Core-size and shell thickness and crystallinity can be tuned by post-thermal treatment, through which can be modulated the Eu +2 fraction. We find that our methodology leads the functional features of the analogous micron counterpart. These results can be considered a great achievement to scale-up the process. Besides, the harmful collateral effect of nanotechnology must be addressed by using new safe by design core-shell nanostructures.