Luminescence of CaS and MnS nanocrystallites co-activated sol–gel derived silica xerogel

Abstract CaS and MnS nanocrystallites co-activated sol–gel derived silica xerogel has been prepared by sol–gel processing. Their photoluminescence characteristics have been evaluated and compared with those of the undoped silica xerogel. Two emission bands have been observed from the doped sample, one at 440 nm while the other at 580 nm. CaS and MnS nanocrystallites embedded in sol–gel derived silica xerogel show sharp emission band. The novel luminescence phenomenon is attributed to the luminescent centers of CaS and MnS in the silica xerogel.