Synthesis and characterization of Sm and Pr-doped CaWO₄ nano-crystals

In this paper, we report a simple method to dope rare-earth ions, such as samarium (Sm) and praseodymium (Pr), in calcium tungstate (CaWO₄) nano-crystals. To estimate the size as well as incorporation of rare-earth ions in the host lattice, several techniques are used. The x-ray diffraction method was used to identify the phase of the nano-crystals, and scanning electron microscopy was used to calculate the size of the nano-crystals. The incorporation of rare-earth ions was confirmed using energy dispersive analysis x-ray studies. These studies reveal that nano-crystals of calcium tungstate doped with Sm³⁺ and Pr³⁺ with a size around 60 nm could be synthesized using this method. (paper)