Selective synthesis and fluorescence of Pb5(VO4)3OH nano- and micro-crystals

Lead vanadium oxide hydroxide nano- and micro-crystals have been synthesized by a simple Composite-Hydroxide-Mediated (CHM) method. The synthesized products were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and UV–vis spectrum. The morphology of the product could be tuned from separate rods to rod bunches by simply controlling the reaction parameters. The UV–visible spectrum shows that the band gap of the Pb5(VO4)3OH is 2.92 eV. The photoluminescence have been investigated in the temperature range 10–300 K. The results indicate a blue luminescence at room temperature and a strong red luminescence at low temperatures under excitation of 325 nm laser. The luminescent mechanism of the Pb5(VO4)3OH was discussed.

Research highlights
► It is for the first time that Pb5(VO4)3OH nano-rod bunches are synthesized by the composite-hydroxide-mediated method. The method is simple, easy to scale-up, and without using organic dispersant or surface capping agent.
► The shape and size of Pb5(VO4)3OH can be easily tuned by adjusting the growth time and ratio of Pb:V in raw materials.
► The optical properties have been investigated in 10–300 K. The results indicate a blue luminescence in room temperature and a strong red luminescence in low temperature under excitation at 325 nm.