Various nanostructures of SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ (SAC) afterglow phosphor were prepared in a single-step reaction using a green chemistrymediated
modified combustion process. The evolution of hazardous NxOx gases during the customary combustion reaction was completely
eliminated by employing an innovative complex formation route. Another fascinating feature of the process was that, a slight change in the
processing conditions ensured the synthesis of either nanoparticles or nanowires. The photoluminescence spectrum of nanophosphor showed a
slight blue shift in emission (511 nm) as compared to the bulk phosphor (520 nm). The afterglow (decay) profiles of SAC nanoparticles,
nanowires and bulk phosphor were compared. The chemistry underlying the nanostructure synthesis and the probable afterglow mechanism were
discussed.