Photoluminescence characteristics of Ti2S3 nanoparticles embedded in sol–gel derived silica xerogel

Abstract Ti 2 S 3 nanocrystallites embedded in sol–gel derived silica xerogel have been prepared. Their photoluminescence (PL) characteristics have been evaluated and compared with those of pure silica xerogel. UV–vis absorption spectra, transmission electron micrograph, excitation spectra and PL spectra of the doped and undoped samples have all been investigated. Two emission peaks have been observed from the doped samples, one at 440 nm ( λ ex =380 nm) while the other at 600 nm ( λ ex =550 nm). The latter has been assigned to the Ti 2 S 3 nanocrystallites in the silica xerogel. Therefore, a novel luminescence property can be observed by introducing the semiconductor nanoparticles into the silica xerogel.