Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
SrS:Ce nanoparticles were prepared using a reverse micelle method and coated by ZnO. The mono-dispersed nanoparticles whose size was as small as 3nm were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) method. Optical properties of the core-shell SrS:Ce/ZnO nanoparticle was studied. UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence (PL) properties were measured and compared with those of SrS:Ce and SrS nanoparticles. Bright blue photoluminescence (around 440 nm) was observed from SrS:Ce at a room temperature when nanoparticles were excited using a Hg lamp. The PL peak intensity enhancement was observed after forming the ZnO shell. The optical absorption profile of nanoparticles was associated with the band edge feature of SrS. The coating of the SrS:Ce surface by ZnO has affected the electronic structure of SrS:Ce nanoparticles.