Synthesis and luminescent properties of Al2O3–SiO2 phosphors

3Al2O3–2SiO2–0.005Eu2O3 powders were prepared at various temperatures of 1100–1600 °C under H2 atmosphere. XRD data showed that three phases of α-Al2O3, quartz, and amorphous SiO2 were produced at 1100–1400 °C, exhibiting strong greenish-blue emissions around 475–485 nm. With the increase in the temperature the red-shift in PLE spectra was observed and also two discrete peaks apparently appeared. Mullite single phase could be achieved at 1500–1600 °C, and it exhibited similar luminescent spectra to that of the mixed phase at 1100–1400 °C. The firing atmosphere affected the emission and excitation properties of Eu2+ doped mullite powders.