Blue light emitting SrSn(OH)6 nano-rods doped with lanthanide ions (Eu3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+)

Blue light emitting SrSn(OH)6 nano-rods were prepared in aqueous medium at room temperature. Presence of lanthanide ions in reaction medium during synthesis of nano-rods, leads to significant changes in the morphology of the nano-rods. Based on luminescence studies emission in the blue region from SrSn(OH)6 nano-rods has been attributed to radiative recombination of self trapped excitons in the lattice. SrSn(OH)6 nano-rods were doped with lanthanide ions like Eu3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+ and their luminescence studies revealed that there exists energy transfer from host to lanthanide ions. From the luminescence studies on Eu3+ doped samples, it is confirmed that up to 1.5 at%, Eu3+ ions get incorporated at Sr2+ site in SrSn(OH)6 lattice and beyond which a separate Eu3+ containing phase is formed. Part of the europium ions also exists as Eu2+ species in the lattice as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies.

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► Room temperature synthesis of blue light emitting SrSn(OH)6 nano-rods.
► Blue light emission originates from the recombination of self trapped excitons.
► There exists energy transfer from host to lanthanide ions in SrSn(OH)6:Ln nano-rods.
► Solubility of Eu3+ ions in SrSn(OH)6 nano-rods is around 1.5 at%.