Synthesis and characterization of SrAl2O4:Pr,Zn luminescent nanostructured materials

Abstract

The nanostructured materials have been extensively studied, not only because of the new properties and their possible technological applications, but also by the search for a better understanding of the physical and chemical processes that cause these changes. Compared to semiconductor materials, studies of the structure at the nanometer scale has received considerable interest due to the quantum size effect that these materials present. Nanocrystalline semiconductors have intermediate electronic properties between those of molecular structure and macrocrystalline solid, presenting a wide range of applications. Among these materials, pure or doped strontium aluminate (SrAl2O4) has received remarkable attention because of fundamental properties, versatility and potential for several technological applications. However, there is no consensus in the literature about the nature of the photoluminescence emission in this nanocrystalline semiconductor systems. In this context, this project aims to perform the synthesis and characterization of pure SrAl2O4 or doped with Pr and Zn atoms and to correlate with photoluminescent properties. Chemical methods of preparation will be used in this project, such as the polymeric precursor method. Morphological characterization will be performed through advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution (FEG-SEM). Structural properties of nanoparticles, as well as their chemical and physical properties will be determined by conventional techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence.