Abstract
The best way to get a student interested in learning science is to provide insights into high-technology materials with impressive properties. The “Chimie: Science Magique” program was created at this university to develop high-impact laboratory experiments for undergraduate students to synthesize and use appealing materials with “magical” properties. However, many high-tech materials syntheses need complex equipment and advanced experimental skills. In this article, we describe the synthesis of long-lasting phosphors and demonstrate both their fluorescent and phosphorescent properties. This experiment only requires basic experimental skills and limited equipment. The synthesis of strontium aluminates, SrAl2O4, doped with europium and dysprosium, SrAl2O4:Eu:Dy, gives students insight into solid-state synthesis by a combination of self-propagating combustion and microwave methods; doping; photochemistry; microscopic structure of solid-state; and rare earth chemistry.