Crystallization and luminescence of Pr3+-doped CdS QDs silicate glass

Abstract

CdS QDs (quantum dots) were precipitated in the Pr3+-doped silicate glass by the melting-quenching method. The crystallization behavior and luminescent property of the Pr3+-doped CdS QDs silicate glass were analyzed by XRD, Raman, TEM, UV–Vis–NIR scanning spectrophotometer and fluorescence spectra. It was found that with the increase in the heat-treatment temperature, the size of CdS particles increased from 2.30[Formula: see text]nm to 3.63[Formula: see text]nm, while red-shift was observed in absorption and fluorescence spectra excited at 370[Formula: see text]nm. Fluorescence measurements of the glass showed that the growth of CdS QDs induced a considerable enhancement in the emission spectra of Pr3+, and the sensitization is due to the energy transfer from CdS QDs to Pr3+ ions.