Re-dispersible Li+ and Eu3+ co-doped CdS nanoparticles: Luminescence studies

Abstract

Re-dispersible CdS, 5 at.% Eu3+-doped CdS, 2 at.% Li+ and 5 at.% Eu3+ co-doped CdS nanoparticles in organic solvent are prepared by urea hydrolysis in ethylene glycol medium at a low temperature of 170°C. CdS nanoparticles have spherical shape with a diameter of ∼80 nm. The asymmetric ratio (A21) of the integrated intensities of the electrical dipole transition to the magnetic dipole transition for 5 at.% Eu3+-doped CdS is found to be 3.8 and this ratio is significantly decreased for 2 at.% Li+ and 5 at.% Eu3+ co-doped CdS (A21 = 2.6). It establishes that the symmetry environment of Eu3+ ion is more favored by Li-doping. Extra peak at 550 nm (green emission) could be seen for 2 and 5 at.% Eu3+ co-doped CdS. Also, the significant energy transfer from host CdS to Eu3+ is found for 5 at.% Eu3+-doped CdS compared to that for 2 at.% Li+ and 5 at.% Eu3+ co-doped CdS.