Synthesis and characterization of new LnxSb2-xSe3 (Ln: Yb3+, Er3+) nanoflowers and their physical properties

New Ln(x)Sb(2-x),Se-3 (Ln: Yb3+, Er3+) based nanomaterials were synthesized by a co-reduction method. Powder XRD patterns indicate that the Ln(x)Sb(2-x)Se(3)crystals (Ln=Er3+ and Yb3+, Er3+, x=0.00-0.12) are isostructural with Sb2Se3. The cell parameters b and c decrease for Ln = Er3+ and Yb3+ upon increasing the dopant content (x), while a increases. SEM images show that doping of the lanthanide ions in the lattice of Sb2Se3 generally results in nanoflowers. UV-vis absorption and emission spectroscopy reveals mainly electronic transitions of the Ln(3+) ions in case of Yb3+ doped nanomaterials. Emission spectra of doped materials, in addition to the characteristic red emission peaks of Sb2Se3, show additional emission bands centered at 955 nm, originating from the F-2(712) > F-2(5/2) transition (f-f transitions) of the Yb3+ ions. DSC curves indicate that Sb2Se3 has the highest thermal stability. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of doped-Sb2Se3 with Yb3+ and Er3+ was studied. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.