Korean Journal of Materials Research ISSN:1225-0562(Print) 2287-7258(Online) 한국재료학회지

Eu-doped SrAl₂O₄ is a promising thermoluminescent and mechanoluminescent material with high brightness and stability, making it suitable for various luminescent devices. In this study, SrAl₂O₄:Eu was synthesized using a solid-state reaction method, and the effects of reducing atmosphere and high-temperature synthesis conditions on its luminescence properties were systematically analyzed. The luminescence characteristics of SrAl₂O₄:Eu were found to be highly sensitive to synthesis temperature, atmosphere, and Eu doping concentration, and optimal conditions were determined. A comparison of SrAl₂O₄:Eu synthesized at 1,300 °C under air and reducing atmospheres revealed that the reducing atmosphere plays a critical role in stabilizing Eu²⁺ ions, forming a single-phase SrAl₂O₄, and establishing luminescence centers. Notably, SrAl₂O₄:Eu synthesized at 1,600 °C in a reducing atmosphere achieved a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 43 % and a maximum luminance of 2,030 Cd/m², showing significant improvement in luminescence efficiency compared to samples synthesized at 1,300 °C. When Eu doping concentrations were adjusted from 1 % to 20 %, the highest luminescence performance was observed at 10 % doping, while excessive doping (20 %) increased non-radiative recombination pathways, and no further improvement in luminescence efficiency was observed. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Photoluminescence (PL) analyses elucidated the effects of synthesis conditions on the structural stability and luminescence properties of SrAl₂O₄:Eu, and the optimal reducing atmosphere and high-temperature synthesis conditions are proposed. This study provides a synthesis strategy for enhancing the luminescence properties of Eu-doped SrAl₂O₄ and lays the groundwork for the development of high-performance thermoluminescent and mechanoluminescent materials.