Doubly Doped BaZnOS Microcrystals for Multicolor Luminescence Switching

Quaternary oxysulfide semiconductors with a formula of MZnOS (M = Ca, Sr, or Ba) have recently attracted a lot of attention as host materials for luminescent dopant ions. Among these oxysulfides, the BaZnOS remains largely unexplored for luminescence in comparison with the CaZnOS and SrZnOS counterparts. This study describes a highly efficient and repeatable synthesis of BaZnOS microcrystals comprising a variety of lanthanide and transition metal ions. Spectroscopic investigations reveal a host-sensitized luminescence in the dopant ions that display distinct temperature dependence of emission intensity. Accordingly, a class of BaZnOS crystals doubly doped with Pr3+ and Mn2+ is further constructed, which shows a sensitive switching of luminescence color in response to temperature change. The advances in these luminescent nanomaterials offer exciting opportunities for temperature sensing (relative sensitivity of 8.58% K-1) and electrochromism applications.

Automated summary

Quaternary oxysulfide semiconductors (MZnOS, M = Ca, Sr, or Ba) have attracted much attention as host materials for luminescent dopant ions. In this study, highly efficient synthesis of BaZnOS microcrystals with various lanthanide and transition metal ions is described. Spectroscopic investigations reveal temperature-dependent luminescence intensity in the dopant ions. BaZnOS crystals doped with Pr3+ and Mn2+ show a sensitive switching of luminescence color in response to temperature change, offering potential applications in temperature sensing and electrochromism.