Controlled synthesis of Sm2O3 nano/microstructures with new morphology by hydrothermal-calcination process

Sm2O3 nano-microcrystallites with different morphologies were controllably synthesized via a hydrothermal-calcination process. The octahedral, tie-like, dumbbell-like and granular Sm2O3 of cubic phase have been obtained by adjusting the reaction conditions such as the Sm3+/Na2CO3 molar ratio. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS) for their structures, morphologies, and optical performances. Results show that the morphological control of as-synthesized Sm2O3 nano-microstructures is strongly relied on the Sm3+/Na2CO3 molar ratio of the precursor solution. The characteristics of as-prepared semiconductors are measured by the Mott-Schottky test as well. Furthermore, the samples reveal excellent absorption in deep ultraviolet light, which are supposed to have good prospects in the special optical instruments.