Luminescence Properties of ZnS:Cu,Tm Semiconductor Nanocrystals Synthesize by a Hydrothermal Process

Abstract

ZnS:Cu,Tm nanocrystal with 15nm cubic structures have been synthesized by hydrothermal approach at 200°C. The photoluminescence (PL) properties and the effect of hydrothermal treatment time on the structure, morphology and PL spectra of ZnS:Cu,Tm samples have been studied. The as-obtained samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FT-IR spectra.The result indicated that the PL emission spectrum of codoped with Cu and Tm sample compares with undoped ZnS and doped with Cu alone samples has a significant changes, while the PL emission peak has red shift and PL emission intensity increased. The samples size and crystallization are increase with extending of the treatment time. However, when the hydrothermal treatment time is too long(>12h), the PL emission intensity of sample instead of decreased. Demonstrated changes in surface state of nanomaterials have a greater impact on its luminescence properties.