Co-reduction synthesis of new LnxSb2−xS3 (Ln: Nd3+, Lu3+, Ho3+) nanomaterials and investigation of their physical properties

New LnxSb2−xS3 (Ln: Lu3+, Ho3+, Nd3+)-based nanomaterials were synthesized by a co-reduction method. Powder XRD patterns indicate that the LnxSb2−xS3 crystals (Ln=Lu3+, Ho3+, x=0.00−0.1 and Ln=Nd3+, x=0.00−0.08) are isostructural with Sb2S3. SEM images show that doping of Lu3+ and Ho3+ ions in the lattice of Sb2S3 results in nanorods while that in Nd3+ leads to nanoflowers. UV-vis absorption and emission spectroscopy reveal mainly electronic transitions of the Ln3+ ions in case of Ho3+ and Nd3+ doped nanomaterials. Emission spectra show intense transitions from excited to ground state of Ln3+. Emission spectra of doped materials, in addition to the characteristic red emission peaks of Sb2S3, show other emission bands originating from f-f transitions of the Ho3+ ions. TGA curves indicated that Sb2S3 has the highest thermal stability. The electrical conductance of Ln-doped Sb2S3 is higher than undoped Sb2S3, and increase with temperature.