Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of Eu2+ doped and Eu2+,Dy3+ co‐doped Ba2MgSi2O7 phosphors

In this work, we report the preparation, characterization, comparison and luminescence mechanisms of Eu²⁺‐doped and Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺‐co‐doped Ba₂MgSi₂O₇ (BMSO) phosphors. Prepared phosphors were synthesized via a high temperature solid‐state reaction method. All prepared phosphors appeared white. The phase structure, particle size, and elemental analysis were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis. The luminescence properties of the phosphors were investigated by thermoluminescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL). The PL excitation and emission spectra of Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ showed the peak to be around 381 nm and 490 nm respectively. The PL excitation spectrum of Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺Dy³⁺ showed the peak to be around 341 nm and 388 nm, and the emission spectrum had a broad band around 488 nm. These emissions originated from the 4f⁶ 5d¹ to 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺. TL analysis revealed that the maximum TL intensity was found at 5 mol% of Eu²⁺ doping in Ba₂MgSi₂O₇ phosphors after 15 min of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. TL intensity was increased when Dy³⁺ ions were co‐doped in Ba₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and maximum TL intensity was observed for 2 mol% of Dy³⁺. TL emission spectra of Ba_1.95MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺ and Ba_1.93MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺,0.02Dy³⁺ phosphors were found at 500 nm. TL intensity increased with UV exposure time up to 15 min, then decreased for the higher UV radiation dose for both Eu doping and Eu,Dy co‐doping. The trap depths were calculated to be 0.54 eV for Ba_1.95MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺ and 0.54 eV and 0.75 eV for Ba_1.93MgSi₂O₇:0.05Eu²⁺,0.02Dy³⁺ phosphors. It was observed that co‐doping with small amounts of Dy³⁺ enhanced the thermoluminescence properties of Ba₂MgSi₂O₇ phosphor. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [Correction added on 5 April 2016, after first online publication: The following parts of the abstract have been edited for consistency. '4f65d1' has been corrected to '4f⁶ 5d¹', '4f7' has been corrected to '4f⁷', 'Ba1.95' has been corrected to 'Ba_1.95' and 'Ba1.93' has been corrected to 'Ba_1.93' respectively.]     

Luminescence properties of green‐emitting Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+ phosphor by a solid‐state reaction method

A europium (Eu)‐doped di‐calcium magnesium di‐silicate phosphor, Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺, was prepared using a solid‐state reaction method. The phase structure, particle size, surface morphology, elemental analysis, different stretching mode and luminescence properties were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and mechanoluminescence (ML). The phase structure of Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ was an akermanite‐type structure, which belongs to the tetragonal crystallography with space group P4?2₁m; this structure is a member of the melilite group and forms a layered compound. The surface of the prepared phosphor was not found to be uniform and particle distribution was in the nanometer range. EDX and FTIR confirm the components of Eu²⁺‐doped Ca₂MgSi₂O₇ phosphor. Under UV excitation, the main emission peak appeared at 530 nm, belonging to the broad emission ascribed to the 4f⁶5d¹→4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺. The ML intensity of the prepared phosphor increased linearly with increasing impact velocity. A CIE color chromaticity diagram and ML spectrum confirmed that the prepared Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor would emit green color and the ML spectrum was similar to that of PL, which indicated that ML is emitted from the same center of Eu²⁺ ions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural characterization and optical properties of Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor by solid‐state reaction method

Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor was prepared by the solid‐state reaction method under a weak reducing atmosphere. The obtained phosphor was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) techniques. The phase structure of the Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor was akermanite type, which is a member of the melilite group. The surface morphology of the sintered phosphor was not uniform and phosphors aggregated tightly. EDX and FT‐IR spectra confirm the elements present in the Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor. Under UV excitation, a broadband emission spectrum was found. The emission spectra observed in the green region centered at 535 nm, which is due to the 4f–5d transition. The mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity of the prepared phosphor increased linearly with increases in the mechanical load. The ML spectra were similar to the photoluminescence (PL), which indicates that ML is emitted from the same emitting center of Eu²⁺ ions as PL. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence studies on Ba2ZnSi2O7 : Eu2+ phosphors crystals

A novel blue green‐emitting phosphor Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇ : Eu²⁺ was prepared by combustion synthesis method and an efficient bluish green emission under from ultraviolet to visible light was observed. The emission spectrum shows a single intensive band centered at 503 nm, which corresponds to the 4f⁶5d¹ → 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺. The excitation spectrum is a broad band extending from 260 to 465 nm, which matches the emission of ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes (UV‐LEDs). The effect of doped Eu²⁺ concentration on the emission intensity of Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇ : Eu²⁺ was also investigated. The result indicates that Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇ : Eu²⁺ can be potentially useful as a UV radiation‐converting phosphor for white light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enhancement of the photoluminescence and long afterglow properties of Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu2+ phosphor by Dy3+ co‐doping

Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ long afterglow phosphors were synthesized under a weak reducing atmosphere by the traditional high temperature solid state reaction method. The synthesized phosphors were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and photo‐, thermo‐ and mechanoluminescence spectroscopic techniques. The phase structure of the sintered phosphor was an akermanite type structure, which belongs to tetragonal crystallography. The thermoluminescence properties of these phosphors were investigated and compared. Under ultraviolet light excitation, the emission spectra of both prepared phosphors were composed of a broad emission band peaking at 470 nm. When the Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor was co‐doped with Dy³⁺, the photoluminescence (PL), afterglow and mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity were strongly enhanced. The decay graph indicated that both the sintered phosphors contained fast decay and slow decay processes. The ML intensities of Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphors were increased proportionally with increasing impact velocity, a finding that suggests that these phosphors could be used as sensors to detect the stress of an object. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on the luminescence properties of cerium co‐doping on Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+ phosphor by solid‐state reaction method

Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Ce³⁺, Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphors were prepared using the solid‐state reaction method. The crystal structures of the sintered phosphors were of melilite type, which has a tetragonal crystallography. The chemical compositions of the sintered phosphors was confirmed by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The different thermoluminescence kinetic parameters [activation energy (E), frequency factor (s) and order of the kinetics (b)] of these phosphors were evaluated and compared using the peak shape method. Under ultraviolet excitation, the emission spectra of both Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphors were composed of a broad emission band peaking at 530 nm. When the Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor is co‐doped with Ce³⁺ ions, photoluminescence, afterglow and mechanoluminescence intensity was strongly enhanced. Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ showed some afterglow with a short persist time. On incorporation of Ce³⁺, efficient energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Eu²⁺ was found and the emission intensity of Eu²⁺ was enhanced. The mechanoluminescence intensities of Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Ce³⁺, Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ and Ca₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺,Ce³⁺ phosphors increased proportionally increased with the increase in impact velocity, which suggests that these phosphors can be used as sensors to detect stress in an object.     

Investigation on luminescence properties of Eu2+‐doped Ba3Al2O5Cl2 phosphor for near‐UV‐excited white LEDs

Ba₃Al₂O₅Cl₂:Eu²⁺ phosphor was prepared by combustion synthesis (CS). The prepared phosphor was excited at 329 nm; the phosphors shows an efficient bluish‐green wide‐band emission centred at 490 nm, which originates from the 4f⁶d¹ → 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺ ions. The excitation spectra of the phosphors have a band centred at 329 nm. It was also characterized by XRD, FT–IR for confirmation of phase purity, and FT–IR analysis indicated the vibrations of metal–oxygen (M–O) groups. SEM shows the morphology of the phosphor at the submicron scale. The results indicate that Ba₃Al₂O₅Cl₂:Eu²⁺ phosphor may be applicable for solid‐state lighting purposes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescent properties of single‐phase Ba2‐x‐1.5y‐1.5zP2O7:xEu2+,yCe3+, zTb3+ phosphors for white light‐emitting diode

A series of Ba₂P₂O₇:xEu²⁺,yCe³⁺,zTb³⁺ phosphors was synthesized via a co‐precipitation method, then their crystal structure, quantum efficiency and luminescent properties were analyzed by XRD and FL, respectively. The results showed that these phosphors not only presented the excitation characteristics of Ba₂P₂O₇:xEu²⁺,zTb³⁺, but also exhibited that of the Ba₂P₂O₇:yCe³⁺,zTb³⁺ phosphor. Meanwhile, the tri‐doped phosphor showed a stronger absorption around 320 nm in contrast with the Eu²⁺/Ce³⁺:Tb³⁺ co‐doped phosphor. Not only can energy transfer from Ce³⁺→Eu²⁺ be observed; the energy transfer mechanism from Eu²⁺ to Tb³⁺ is discussed in the tri‐doped system. Ce³⁺ affects the luminescence properties of Ba₂P₂O₇:xEu²⁺,yCe³⁺,zTb³⁺ phosphors just as the sensitizer whereas Eu²⁺ is considered both as the sensitizer and the activator. The chromaticity coordinates of tri‐doped phosphors excited at 320 nm stayed steadily in the bluish‐white light region,and the emitted color and color temperature (CCT) of these phosphors could be tuned by adjusting the relative contents of Eu²⁺, Ce³⁺ and Tb³⁺. Hence, the single phase Ba₂P₂O₇:xEu²⁺,yCe³⁺,zTb³⁺ phosphors may be considered as potential candidates for white light‐emitting diodes.     

Mechanoluminescence properties of SrAl2O4:Eu2+ phosphor by combustion synthesis

In this paper, europium‐doped strontium aluminate (SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺) phosphors were synthesized using a combustion method with urea as a fuel at 600°C. The phase structure, particle size, surface morphology and elemental analysis were studied using X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The EDX and FTIR spectra confirm the elements present in the SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphor. The optical properties of SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphors were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) and mechanoluminescence (ML). The excitation and emission spectra showed a broad band with peaks at 337 and 515 nm, respectively. The ML intensities of SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphor increased proportionally with the increase in the height of the mechanical load, which suggests that this phosphor could be used in stress sensors. The CIE colour chromaticity diagram and ML spectra confirm that the SrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphor emitted green coloured light. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Insights into the discrepant luminescence for BaSiO3:Eu2+ phosphors prepared by solid‐state reaction and precipitation reaction methods

Two synthesis routes, solid‐state reaction and precipitation reaction, were employed to prepare BaSiO₃:Eu²⁺ phosphors in this study. Discrepancies in the luminescence green emission at 505 nm for the solid‐state reaction method sample and in the yellow emission at 570 nm for the sample prepared by the precipitation reaction method, were observed respectively. A detail investigation about the discrepant luminescence of BaSiO₃:Eu²⁺ phosphors was performed by evaluation of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL)/photoluminescence excitation (PLE), decay time and thermal quenching properties. The results showed that the yellow emission was generated from the BaSiO₃:Eu²⁺ phosphor, while the green emission was ascribed to a small amount of Ba₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺ compound that was present in the solid‐state reaction sample. This work clarifies the luminescence properties of Eu²⁺ ions in BaSiO₃ and Ba₂SiO₄ hosts.     

Photoluminescence properties of a novel phosphor CaB2O4:Eu3+ under NUV excitation

The new borate phosphor CaB₂O₄:Eu³⁺ was synthesized by solid‐state method and their photoluminescence properties were investigated. The results show that the pure phase of CaB₂O₄ could be available at 900°C, CaB₂O₄:Eu³⁺ phosphor could be effectively excited by the near ultraviolet light (NUV) (392 nm), and the luminescent intensity of CaB₂O₄:Eu³⁺ phosphor reached to the highest when the doped‐Eu³⁺ content was 4 mol%. The emission spectra of CaB₂O₄:Eu³⁺ phosphor could exhibit red emission at 612 nm and orange emission at 588 nm, which are ascribed to the ⁵D₀–⁷F₂ and ⁵D₀–⁷F₁ transitions of Eu³⁺ ions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterization and luminescence properties of CaMgSi2O6:Eu2+ blue phosphor

A blue CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphor was prepared by the solid‐state reaction method and the phosphor characterized in terms of crystal structure, particle size, photoluminescence (PL), thermoluminescence (TL) and mechanoluminescence (ML) properties using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), PL spectroscopy, TLD reader and ML impact technique. The XRD result shows that phosphor is formed in a single phase and has a monoclinic structure with the space group C2/c. Furthermore, the PL excitation spectra of Eu²⁺‐doped CaMgSi₂O₆ phosphor showed a strong band peak at 356 nm and the PL emission spectrum has a peak at 450 nm. The depths and frequency factors of trap centers were calculated using the TL glow curve by deconvolution method in which the trap depths were found to be 0.48 and 0.61 eV. The formation of CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphor was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The ML intensity increased linearly with the impact velocity of the piston used to deform the phosphor. It was shown that the local piezoelectricity‐induced electron bombardment model is responsible for the ML emission. Finally, the optical properties of CaMgSi₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphors are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence characteristics of Sr3B2O6:Eu2+ yellow phosphor

Sr₃B₂O₆:Eu²⁺ yellow phosphor was prepared by the combustion method. The crystalline structure, photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of Sr₃B₂O₆:Eu²⁺ were investigated extensively. The X‐ray diffraction result indicates that the Sr₃B₂O₆:Eu²⁺ phosphor exhibited a rhombohedral crystal structure. The emission spectra under a 435 nm excited wavelength showed an intense broad band peaking at 574 nm, which corresponds to the 4f⁶5d¹ → 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺ ion. There were two different sites of Sr replaced by Eu in host lattice. The concentration quenching process between Eu²⁺ ions is determined and the corresponding concentration quenching mechanism was verified as dipole‐quadrupole interaction. The glow curve under 3 Gy β‐ ray irradiation had the glow peak at 160°C and the average activation energy was defined as about 0.98 eV. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescence in Li2BaP2O7

The photo‐, thermo‐ and optically stimulated luminescence in Li₂BaP₂O₇ activated with Eu²⁺/Cu⁺ are reported. Strong thermoluminescence, which is about two times greater than LiF‐TLD 100 was observed in the Eu²⁺‐activated sample. It also exhibited optically stimulated luminescence sensitivity of ~20% that of commercial Al₂O₃:C phosphor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and luminescent properties of novel BaGd2O4:Eu3+ scintillating phosphor

BaGd_2‐xO₄:xEu³⁺ and Ba_1‐yGd_1.79‐2yEu_0.21Na_3yO₄ phosphors were synthesized at 1300°C in air by conventional solid‐state reaction method. Phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. Optimal PL intensity for BaGd_2‐xO₄:xEu³⁺ and Ba_1‐yGd_1.79‐2yEu_0.21Na_3yO₄ phosphors at 276 nm excitation were found to be x = 0.24 and y = 0.125, respectively. The PL intensity of Eu³⁺ emission could only be enhanced by 1.3 times with incorporation of Na⁺ into the BaGd₂O₄ host. Enhanced luminescence was attributed to the flux effect of Na⁺ ions. However, when BaGd₂O₄:Eu³⁺ phosphors were codoped with Na⁺ ions, the induced defects confirmed by TL spectra impaired the emission intensity of Eu³⁺ ions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photostimulated luminescence properties of Eu2+‐doped barium aluminate phosphor

An intense green photostimulated luminescence in BaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphor was prepared. The thermoluminescence results indicate that there are at least three types of traps (T₁, T₂, T₃) with different trap depths in BaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphor according to the bands located at 327, 361 and 555 K, respectively, which are closely associated with the phosphor's long persistent luminescence and photostimulated luminescence properties. In addition, as a novel optical read‐out form, a photostimulated persistent luminescence signal can be repeatedly obtained in BaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ phosphor. This shows that re‐trapping of the electron released from a deep trap plays an important role in photostimulated persistent luminescence. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Design,synthesis and luminescence properties of Ba2YB2O6Cl‐ and Ba2YB2O6F‐based phosphors

Using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction, the chlorine in Ba₂YB₂O₆Cl is gradually replaced by F, and a new compound with the nominal chemical formula Ba₂YB₂O₆F and two phosphors doped with Ce³⁺ and Eu³⁺, respectively, are obtained. X‐Ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectroscopy are used to characterize the as‐synthesized samples. The as‐synthesized Ba₂YB₂O₆Cl exhibits bright blue emission in the spectral range ~ 330–410 nm with a maximum around 363 nm under X‐ray or UV excitation. Ba₂YB₂O₆F:0.01Ce³⁺ exhibits blue emission in the range ~ 340–570 nm with a maximum around 383 nm. Ba₂YB₂O₆F:0.01Eu³⁺ exhibits a predominantly ⁵D₀–⁷ F₂ emission (~610 nm) and the relative intensities of the ⁵D₀–⁷ F_0,1,2 emissions are tunable under different wavelength UV excitation. The luminescence behaviors of the two phosphors are explained simply in terms of the host composition and site occupancy probability of Ce³⁺ and Eu³⁺, respectively. The results indicate that these phosphors have potential application as a blue phosphor or as a red phosphor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and luminescence characterization of a new yellowish‐orange phosphor: Ba2B10O17:Sm3+

A new yellowish‐orange emitting phosphor, Ba₂B₁₀O₁₇:Sm³⁺ for use as a white light‐emitting diode (W‐LED) was synthesized by a solid‐state reaction method. The X‐ray diffraction results indicated that a pure Ba₂B₁₀O₁₇ material was obtained. As a potential yellowish‐orange luminescent material for W‐LEDs, the Ba₂B₁₀O₁₇:Sm³⁺ phosphor could be excited effectively by near‐ultraviolet (n‐UV) light and exhibited yellowish‐orange emission centered at 560 nm corresponding to the ⁴G_5/2 → ⁶H_5/2 transition of Sm³⁺ ions. The optimum concentration of Sm³⁺ ions in Ba₂B₁₀O₁₇, critical transfer distance (Ra) and concentration quenching mechanism of the presented phosphor were investigated. Moreover, CIE chromaticity coordinates and color purity performance of the Ba₂B₁₀O₁₇:Sm³⁺ phosphor were also discussed. The present work suggests that the Ba₂B₁₀O₁₇:Sm³⁺ phosphor has potential as a type of yellowish‐orange emitting phosphor. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of blue‐emitting phosphor Ca12Al14O32F2:Eu2+ for white light‐emitting diode

A blue‐emitting phosphor Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂:Eu²⁺ was synthesized using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction under a reductive atmosphere. The X‐ray diffraction measurements indicate that a pure phase Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂:Eu²⁺ can be obtained for low doping concentration of Eu²⁺. The phosphor has a strong absorption in the range 270–420 nm with a maximum at ~340 nm and blue emission in the range 400–500 nm with chromatic coordination of (0.152, 0.045). The optimal doping concentration is ~0.24. In addition, the luminescence properties of the as‐synthesized phosphor were evaluated by comparison with those of Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂Cl₂:Eu²⁺ and the commercially available phosphor BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu²⁺. The emission intensity of Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂:Eu²⁺ was ~72% that of BaMgAl₁₀O₁₇:Eu²⁺ under excitation at λ = 375 nm. The results indicate that Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₂F₂:Eu²⁺ has potential application as a near‐UV‐convertible blue phosphor for white light‐emitting diodes.     

Synthesis and characterization of blue long‐lasting BaCa2Al8O15:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphor

We have synthesized and characterized a new BaCa₂Al₈O₁₅:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor prepared by the combustion method. X‐ray diffraction, thermoluminescence, scanning electron microscope, time decay and optical spectral analysis photoluminescence excitation, emission spectra were used to characterize the phosphors. Broadband ultraviolet excited luminescence of the BaCa₂Al₈O₁₅:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ was observed in the blue region (λ_max = 435 nm) due to transitions from the 4f⁶5d¹ to the 4f⁷ configuration of the Eu²⁺ ion. Scanning electron microscopy has been used for exploring the morphological properties of the prepared phosphors. The BaCa₂Al₈O₁₅:Eu²⁺ phosphor has a blue afterglow when Dy³⁺ ions were co‐doped. The thermoluminescence spectra show that the Dy³⁺ ion induces a proper trap in the phosphor with a depth of 0.67 eV and results in a long afterglow phosphorescence. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.