The author sets out to create glow-in-the-dark material, inspired by the fun but generic glow powder from China. The chosen compound is Strontium Aluminate (SrAl2O4), known for its long-lasting glow. The process involves various chemical reactions with reagents that are corrosive and toxic. The author faces challenges such as precipitating aluminum hydroxide, adding lanthanide dopants for different colors, and dealing with impurities affecting the final product’s glowing efficiency. The combustion of the mixture is explored, leading to visually pleasing but short-lived glowing results. Experimentation with a torch is required due to limitations in processing temperature. Surprisingly, the author shares a visual of a phosphorescent rock with intriguing chemical components for comparison.
https://maurycyz.com/projects/strontium_aluminate/