Photoluminescent alkaline earth aluminate and method for making the same
View Patent ↗A photoluminescent phosphorescent material for emergency lighting and the like. An alkaline earth aluminate base material is alloyed with a lanthamide earth element and a transition metal element. When exposed to ambient lighting, the material of the present invention emits light in dark areas even after the loss of electrical power. The addition of a transition metal element such as Scandium (Sc) provides longer and brighter photoluminescence than is expected by the use of a lanthanide element alone.
1. A photoluminescent aluminate comprising SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu,Dy,Gd,Sc wherein the following materials and quantities are combined and reacted to form the aluminate:
SrCO 3 (1.0 mole)
Al 2 O 3 (1.0 mole)
Eu 2 O 3 (0.005 mole)
Dy 2 O 3 (0.01 mole)
Gd 2 O 3 (0.005 mole)
Sc 2 O 3 (0.005 mole)
B 2 O 3 (0.2 mole).
2. A photoluminescent aluminate as recited in claim 1 , wherein said SrCO 3 and Al 2 O 3 are combined and reacted to form SrAl 2 O 4 +CO 2 .
3. A photoluminescent aluminate as recited in claim 2 , where said SrAl 2 O 4 is synthesized at approximately 1300° C.−1450° C.