Synthesis of Ce3+ doped SrS nanocrystalline phosphors using a simple aqueous method

A simple aqueous method was used to synthesize a blue-green emitting Ce3+ doped SrS nanocrystalline phosphor. SrCl2, Na2S2O3 and Ce(NO3)(3) were used as precursors for Sr2+, S2- and Ce3+ ions respectively. Ethlylene diamine tetra acetic add (EDTA) was used as a complexing agent. XRD studies revealed the single crystalline phase of the SrS:Ce3+. The morphology was examined using SEM and TEM and average particle size estimated from TEM images was 25 +/- 2 nm in diameter. The elemental composition was analyzed with the electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The photoluminescence (PL) study showed two emission peaks at 480 nm and 527 nm ascribed to the D-2(5d)-> F-2(5/2)(4f) and D-2(5d)-> F-2(7/4)(4f) transitions of the Ce3+ ion in SrS:Ce nanophosphors. These peaks are blue shifted from bulk SrS:Ce peaks at 485 nm and 530 nm. The intense emission peak at 480 nm at 254 nm excitation may be explored for possible applications in gamma and x-rays scintillators. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.