LnxPb1−xTe(Ln:Nd3+,Yb3+) nanomaterials: Synthesis, characterization, physical properties, and optical properties

Abstract

LnxPb1−xTe(Ln:Nd3+,Yb3+) nanomaterials were synthesized using the facile hydrothermal method. The prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD analysis demonstrated that PbTe phase is cubic. By increasing the concentration of Ln3+ ions, the DRS spectra of PbTe shows blue shifts instead of red shifts due to bonding changes. XPS analysis of doped PbTe samples confirms the incorporation of Yb and Nd into the lattice. The electrical conductivity of Ln-doped PbTe is shown to be higher than that of pure PbTe, and increases with temperature.