Controlled shape growth of Eu- or Tb-doped luminescent Gd2O3 colloidal nanocrystals

Controlled-shape synthesis of rare earth doped gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3:Eu3+ or Tb3+) colloidal nanocrystals by non-hydrolytic high temperature (∼290 °C) solution growth methods is reported. Various shapes of Gd2O3 nanocrystals were synthesized, including spheres, plates, and curved rods. The nanocrystal shape was shown to be dependent on the synthesis parameters, such as type of metal precursor and surfactant, and their concentration ratio. The photoluminescence intensity from rare earth doped Gd2O3 was shown to increase from nanoplates to nanospheres, which is discussed in terms of doping efficiency, crystal structure, and ratio of surface to volume.

Shape of Gd2O3:Eu colloidal nanocrystals was controlled by varying synthetic parameters such as type of metal precursor and surfactant into nanospheres or nanoplates, and their photoluminescence was compared.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide