SrAl2 O4: Eu2+ , Dy3+ long afterglow phosphors were prepared by chemical coprecipitation method. Ammonium carbonate and ammonium hydrogen carbonate were used as the precipitants. The preparation of the SrAl2 O4: Eu2+ ,Dy3 + precursor was completed at room temperature by controlling the concentration of the metal-salt solution, pH value of the system, etc. The phosphors were prepared by sintering the precursor at 1000 ～ 1200 ℃ in a weak reducing atmosphere for 2 h. The XRD, SEM, excitation spectra, emission spectra and afterglow decay of the samples were tested and the optimal synthesis conditions of the SrAl2O4: Eu2+ , Dy3+ long afterglow phosphors prepared by precipitation method were determined. The phosphor which had good luminescent properties is prepared and its persistent time can reach more than 1600 min. In the coprecipitation process, a small amount of glucose operates to refe the luminescent powders. The particle size of the phosphor can be less than 1 μm. The sintering temperature of the sample prepared by the coprecipitation method is much lower than that of the one prepared by the high temperature solid state method.Compared with the high temperature solid state method, a clear blue shift occurs in the excitation and emission spectra of the samples.