Optimization of the synthesis of nanostructured Tb3+-doped Gd2O3 by in-situ luminescence following up

Nanostructured Tb3+-doped Gd2O3 particles have been synthesized from chloride precursors by NaOH addition in a polyol medium. In-situ luminescent spectra have been investigated in order to follow up the process of formation and growth of these particles by varying parameters as the elaboration temperature and the rate of NaOH addition. Contrarily to all the literature related to the “polyol” synthesis, the paper proves that oxide particles can be directly formed at room temperature. These particles are also slightly bigger and organized in nanorods when NaOH is added progressively. Finally, it was found that the influence of further annealing up to 160 °C strongly depends on the NaOH addition rate. While preserving the oxide phase, annealing leads to bigger particles only in the case of a progressive addition of NaOH.

With progressive addition of NaOH, the extinction peaks between 278 and 315 nm and the band to band absorption gradually increase, which is an indication that Gd2O3:Tb3+ particles are gradually formed during the process of NaOH addition.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide