Ultra small Gd2O3 nanoparticles: Absorption and emission properties

In this paper, we report a facile method for synthesis of ultra small (1–3 nm) gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles using citric acid (CA) as a capping agent. The dependence of nanoparticle (NP) size on the ratio between CA and gadolinium (Gd) is investigated. Absorption properties of the ultra small Gd2O3 NPs in UV region have four characteristic peaks at 312 nm, 274 nm, 253 nm and 228 nm. Finally, we show that the Gd2O3 nanoparticles synthesized by this method induce triplet emission (phosphorescence) from CA and EG in the NIR region.

We synthesize ultra small (1–3 nm) Gd2O3 nanoparticles by a facile method which requires lower temperature and shorter synthesis time. These nanoparticles induce phosphorescence from ethylene glycol and citric acid.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (101 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► A new, facile method for synthesis of ultra small (1–3 nm) Gd2O3 nanoparticles.
► The amount of citric acid strongly affects the size of the nanoparticles.
► The Gd2O3 nanoparticles show four characteristic absorption peaks in the UV regions.
► The Gd2O3 nanoparticles induce phosphorescence from ethylene glycol and citric acid.