Mixed-solvothermal synthesis and applications in sensing for Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions of flowerlike LaVO4:Eu3+ nanostructures

• Flowerlike LaVO4:Eu3+ nanostructures are successfully synthesized via a solvothermal route.
• Na2EDTA and CO(NH2)2 play crucial roles in the formation of flowerlike LaVO4:Eu3+ nanostructures.
• The strong emission peaks can be quenched by Cu2+ or Fe3+ ions without the interference of other ions.
• The as-prepared LaVO4:Eu3+ can be used as optical sensors for the detection of the Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions.

Rare-earth inorganic orthovanadates have been attracting considerable research interest because of their significant luminescent features. In this work, flowerlike LaVO4:Eu3+ nanostructures with strong photoluminescence were successfully synthesized via a solvothermal route at 160 °C for 8 h in the co-existences of Na2EDTA and CO(NH2)2, employing La(NO3)3 and NH4VO3 as the initial reactants, the water-glycol (water/EG) with the volume ratio of 1/2 as the solvent. XRD analysis showed that the final product belonged to tetragonal LaVO4 phase. It was found that Na2EDTA and CO(NH2)2 were indispensable in the formation of flowerlike LaVO4:Eu3+ nanostructures. The as-obtained flowerlike LaVO4:Eu3+ nanostructures exhibited strong emission peaks in the region of 500–700 nm under the excitation of 335 nm light. Interestingly, the abovementioned strong emission peaks could be quenched by Cu2+ or Fe3+ ions without the interference of other ions, indicating that the present product could be used as an optical sensor for the detection of the Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions in water systems.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideFlowerlike LaVO4:Eu3+ nanostructures with strong PL emission were successfully prepared by a simple solvothermal route.