Synthesis of ultrafine β-Ga2O3 nanopowder via hydrothermal approach: A strong UV “excimer-like” emission

Interest in nano-oxides has emerged from their technological applications in fields like microelectronics, catalysis, coatings, energy storage, and environment protection and remediation. There are various available methods for preparation and production of materials, but developing new routes to nanocrystalline materials is a challenging task for materials scientists. An innovative newly developed pathway to the synthesis of gallium oxide nanopowders, so-called “high-productivity/high-yield” process is presented here. The utilized method is simple, fast and environmental friendly. Ultrafine nanopowders of gallium oxide is prepared by addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to metal gallium (Ga) via a hydrothermal route at a low temperature (100 °C) and without any surfactant. β-Ga2O3 nanopowders are achieved directly in an autoclave when the initial molar ratio of Ga to O is 1:4. Combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fluorescence analysis are employed to characterize the resulting nanopowders. Detailed results are discussed.