Lead (Pb) doped fluoride nanocrystals: Structural and Optical Properties

The aim of the present study is to investigate the structural and optical properties of Lead (Pb) doped fluoride nanocrystals (CaF2). Pb (3, 5, 7 and 10 mol %) doped nanocrystals were synthesized by precipitation method and characterized by Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy EDAX. Optical studies (UV-Visible Spectroscopy) were carried out. The PXRD pattern shows the cubic structure of the synthesized material. It is observed that crystallite size and lattice constants were increased by increasing the doping concentration. EDAX spectra shows the presence of Pb. FTIR studies show the presence of hydroxyl groups in the as synthesized samples with two strong IR absorption bands at 3370 cm-1 and 1631 cm-1. The optical absorption spectrum of pure and doped samples show a prominent common peak at 264 nm and peaks at 211, 214, 241 and 256 nm for other samples respectively. The optical absorption was found to increase with increase in doping concentration. It is also observed from optical studies of prepared samples that with increase in doping concentration, energy band gap decreases and refractive index increases.