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

Abstract 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 Eu 3+ , Tb 3+ and Dy 3+ and their luminescence studies revealed that there exists energy transfer from host to lanthanide ions. From the luminescence studies on Eu 3+ doped samples, it is confirmed that up to 1.5 at%, Eu 3+ ions get incorporated at Sr 2+ site in SrSn(OH) 6 lattice and beyond which a separate Eu 3+ containing phase is formed. Part of the europium ions also exists as Eu 2+ species in the lattice as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies.