Luminescence and structural properties of RbGdS2 compounds doped by rare earth elements

Rare earth elements (Pr, Ce) doped ternary sulfides of formula RbGd1−xRExS2 were synthesized in the form of crystalline hexagonal platelets by chemical reaction under the flow of hydrogen sulfide. The X-ray powder diffraction detected only a single crystalline phase of rhombohedral lattice system. Optical properties of studied systems are investigated by methods of time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy. Thermal stability of the Pr3+ emission is demonstrated. Application potential in the white light-emitting diode solid state lighting or X-ray phosphors is discussed.

► We report structural and luminescence characteristics of the RbGdS2-based phosphors.
► Pr3+ and Ce3+ luminescence features in RbGdS2 were measured in 8–500 K interval.
► We investigate the influence of Ln3+ (Ln = La, Gd, and Lu) in RE-doped RbLnS2.
► The application potential of studied materials in white LEDs is discussed.