Photoluminescence up-conversion and cathodoluminescence in quaternary CdxZnyOγSδ nanoparticles embedded on zeolite

The optical, electronic, and vibrational properties of quaternary CdxZnyO gamma S delta (CdZnOS) semiconductor nano-particles grown on mordenite-type zeolite (MOR) were studied using infrared, Raman, photoluminescence in emission and excitation modes, and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. Semiconductor-mordenite (CdZnOS-MOR) composites were prepared utilizing low-cost and scalable methods: 1) Ion-exchange with as-synthesized sodium-mordenite and 2) a one-pot direct synthesis of zinc/cadmium-mordenite using a modified sol-gel technique, which were followed by sulfidation under a flow of H2S. The results of our vibrational studies have revealed the characteristic signals for the zinc-blende-type phase of the quaternary nanoparticles. From our photoluminescence analysis, the CdZnOS-MOR nanocomposites exhibits an up-conversion phenomenon, which is strongly related to the quantum confinement effect, while a high energy cathodoluminescence response established that the diversity of the transitions in this up-conversion process is associated to the wide distribution of size and stoichiometry of the nanoparticles. The luminescent, photoluminescent, and cathodoluminescent properties make the nanocomposite a promising photoactive material for application in photocatalysis.

Automated summary

The optical, electronic, and vibrational properties of quaternary CdZnOS semiconductor nano-particles grown on MOR were studied using various spectroscopic techniques, showing unique characteristics related to quantum confinement effect and diverse transitions associated with size and stoichiometry of the nanoparticles. These properties make the nanocomposite a promising photoactive material for photocatalysis applications.