Greenish-yellow emitting CdS: Sm3+ nanoparticles: Structural and optical analysis

Different concentrations of trivalent samarium (Sm³⁺) ions doped cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanoparticles were fabricated by one-step solid-state method at low temperature using C₁₀H₆(SO₃Na)₂ as surfactant for optoelectronic and solar cell applications. They were characterized through powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–Vis absorption and photoluminescence studies. These nanoparticles establish cubic structure without any foreign phase and it was confirmed by Raman studies. The Raman spectrum of CdS nanoparticles shows first three longitudinal optical phonon orders. The adjacent lattice fringes were spaced about 0.30 nm. The direct band gap energy was found slightly higher than the bulk crystallites. The photoluminescence spectra of CdS: Sm³⁺ exhibits a broad peak at 563 nm with a shoulder at around 607 nm corresponding to Sm³⁺: ⁴G_5/2 → ⁶H_7/2 transition at 402 nm excitation. A luminescence quenching was noticed at higher Sm³⁺ ions concentration due to transfer of energy among the excited Sm³⁺ ions. The CdS: Sm³⁺ particles were fabricated with a size of the order of nanoscale and they can be used for efficient energy conversion. The studied CdS: Sm³⁺ nanoparticles are suitable for optoelectronic and solar cell applications.