Blue light emitting SrSn(OH){sub 6} nano-rods doped with lanthanide ions (Eu{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+} and Dy{sup 3+})
Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► Room temperature synthesis of blue light emitting SrSn(OH){sub 6} nano-rods. ► Blue light emission originates from the recombination of self trapped excitons. ► There exists energy transfer from host to lanthanide ions in SrSn(OH){sub 6}:Ln nano-rods. ► Solubility of Eu{sup 3+} ions in SrSn(OH){sub 6} nano-rods is around 1.5 at%. -- Abstract: Blue light emitting SrSn(OH){sub 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){sub 6} nano-rods has been attributed to radiative recombination of self trapped excitons in the lattice. SrSn(OH){sub 6} nano-rods were doped with lanthanide ions like Eu{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+} and Dy{sup 3+} and their luminescence studies revealed that there exists energy transfer from host to lanthanide ions. From the luminescence studies on Eu{sup 3+} doped samples, it is confirmed that up to 1.5 at%, Eu{sup 3+} ions get incorporated at Sr{sup 2+} site in SrSn(OH){sub 6} lattice and beyond which a separate Eu{sup 3+} containing phase is formed. Part of the europium ions also exists as Eu{sup 2+} species in the lattice as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies.