Generalized synthesis of 1-D nanoporous aluminates by using a sacrificial template especially evidenced in case of ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors

We demonstrated here the hydrothermal synthetic method to prepare 1-D NH4Al(OH)2CO3 nanowires acting as the sacrificial template, which were further converted into 1-D nanoporous ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors under calcining conditions. The as-prepared ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors were well characterized by means of XRPD, FESEM, TEM, HRTEM, N2 adsorption and desorption, and PL techniques. The experimental results reveal that the sacrificial template of NH4Al(OH)2CO3 nanowires plays the crucial role in the formation of 1-D nanoporous ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors. The N2 adsorption and desorption data show the mesoporous property of ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors, having the surface area of 39.75 m2 g−1. The photoluminescent excitation and emission spectra illustrate the excellent red-emitting property of ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors. In particular, this synthetic strategy can be extended to prepare other kinds of 1-D nanoporous aluminates such as CoAl2O4 and CuAl2O4, clearly indicating its generality and significance.