LAUSR

Abstract For the first time, SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ hollow microsphere is successful synthesized via a newly developed sol-gel synthetic method combined with the self-transformation process of chemical induction. In this approach, researchers are able to get this gel in seconds, and after it is immersed in the isopropanol at the temperature of 60 °C, the SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ hollow microsphere precursors can be synthesized through the self-transformation of chemical induction. The outer surface of SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ hollow precursors (diameter in 1–2 μm) is similar to sea urchins, which consists of randomly clustered and interconnected nanoplatelets. SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ hollow microsphere phosphors can be synthesized by calcining SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ hollow microsphere precursors at an appropriate temperature. The optimum calcination temperature of the SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ hollow microsphere phosphors is 1050 °C, which have a well hollow-core construction and sea urchin-like outer surface. The photoluminescence spectra and luminance decay analysis indicate that the SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ hollow microsphere phosphors have satisfactory persistent phosphorescence. The specific surface area, mean diameter of pores, as well as pore volume of the sample heated at 1050 °C are 139.52 m2/g, 1.29 cm3/g and 37.08 nm, respectively.