Single Crystal CaS:Eu and SrS:Eu Luminescent Particles Obtained by Solvothermal Synthesis

Single crystal CaS:Eu and SrS:Eu luminescent particles were synthesized via a solvothermal route at relatively low temperature . The as-obtained suspensions were strongly photoluminescent (PL), pointing at good Eu incorporation. The phosphors showed a broad PL emission band with an emission peak at 663 and for CaS:Eu and SrS:Eu, respectively. The synthesis method meets the growing interest in small monodisperse particles. The composition and morphology of the particles was evaluated with transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray and electron backscatter diffraction, particles were found to be mostly monocrystalline. X-ray diffraction showed a cubic structure with space group . To control the growth of the crystallites, thioglycerol was added as capping agent, narrowing the size distribution and facilitating the growth of the single crystals.