From natural attapulgite to phosphor materials: Characterization, photoluminescence and structure

Sr2.965Al0.08Si0.92O5:0.025Ce3+, 0.01Eu2+ (SrAlSiO:Ce3+, Eu2+) phosphor from natural attapulgite (ATP) was synthesized by solid-state reaction method. For the use of ATP as a source of Si and Al, pretreatment process including mechanical grinding and acid leaching were involved. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of silicates in a wide temperature field, whereas Sr3SiO5 within a single step. The ATP fibers were tuning into phosphor particles (about 1.5–3.0 μm) after calcination. Furthermore, photoluminescence spectra of the SrAlSiO:Ce3+, Eu2+ phosphor was also in good agreement with the literature results, indicating a promising potential application as an effective candidate for warm-white LEDs materials.