Enhanced light storage of SrAl2O4 glass-ceramics controlled by selective europium reduction

Abstract

A luminescent Eu, Dy: SrAl2O4 glass-ceramics with high transparency in the visible region was successfully synthesized using the frozen sorbet technique with the control of O2 partial pressure (PO2) for the oxidation of Eu2+ ions. The glass-ceramics include Eu2+, Eu3+, and Dy3+ ions, and thus exhibits three characteristic types of emission bands, 4f-5d at around 520 nm (Eu2+ ions), 4f-4f at 610 nm (Eu3+ ions), and 480 nm (Dy3+ ions). The Eu, Dy: SrAl2O4 glass-ceramics provide remarkable long-persistent luminescence under dark condition. The glass-ceramics also exhibits color-changing luminescence in the visible region based on their remarkable light storage properties. The luminescent Eu, Dy: SrAl2O4 glass-ceramics using the frozen sorbet technique with control of PO2 are promising materials for application in novel photonic and light storage materials.