Preparation and photoluminescence of Tb3+ doped SrAl2O4 phosphor by composite combustion method

High-efficient Tb3+ activated SrAl2O4 phosphor was synthesized by a combined combustion–solid-state reaction method. The precursor of SrAl2O4:Tb3+ phosphor was prepared via a combustion process, and then the as-prepared powder was heated in a reductive ambient of activated carbon at 1250 °C for 1 h. The results of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectra revealed the influence of the dosage of urea and heated process on the crystallinity, morphology, and photoluminescence of the phosphor. Comparing with traditional solid-sate reaction, the crystallinity and emission intensity of the SrAl2O4:Tb3+ phosphor were improved by this two-step process.