This paper reports a modified reverse micelles process for preparing nanoparticles of europium-doped strontium aluminate, a typical elastico-luminescent material. A polymeric matrix was coated on the surface of the precursor formed in the reverse micelles. The polymeric matrix is considered to prevent particle agglomeration by forming a carbon layer while the precursor is heat-treated. Consequently, the luminescent nanoparticles were obtained after removing the carbon layer and forming luminescent centers in a reducing atmosphere. The processing and properties of the luminescent nanoparticles are discussed. (c) 2007 The Electrochemical Society.