Effect of synthesis route on the photoluminescence properties of SrTiO3:Pr,Al phosphor: Nanoparticles and microcubes

•SrTiO3:Pr,Al samples were prepared by hydrothermal and polymeric precursor methods.•Hydrothermal method originates mesocrystals with cube-like shape and TiO5 clusters.•Polymeric precursor method originates higher surface region due to nanometer scale.•Quenching of 4f → 4f emissions in Pr3+ and a broad spectrum for hydrothermal sample.•Intrinsic defects in the origin of the quenching and the broad spectrum.