The luminescence of PbS nanoparticles embedded in sol–gel silica glass

PbS nanoparticles embedded in a novel silica glass have been achieved in the present study by sol–gel processing. Their fluorescence properties have been evaluated and compared with those of un-doped glass. A novel luminescent phenomenon has been observed from the composite of PbS nanoparticles and the sol–gel silica glass. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the composite consists of two emission peaks (440 and 605 nm). The Pb2+ ions in the sol–gel silica glass show sharp emission band. This novel luminescence from the samples is assigned to the composite structure of PbS nanoparticles and porous silica glasses.