Synthesis and photoluminescence of octahedral GdVO4 microcrystals by hydrothermal conversion of Gd2(CO3)3·xH2O nanospheres

Uniform octahedral gadolinium vanadate (GdVO4) microcrystals were successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal route in two-steps. Firstly, homogenous Gd2(CO3)3·xH2O nanospheres with an average diameter of ∼80 nm were synthesized by using a facile hydrothermal method. Then, uniform octahedral GdVO4 microcrystals were obtained at the expense of the precursor during a hydrothermal conversion process. The results show that the morphology of the as-synthesized GdVO4 crystals could gradually evolve with prolonging the reaction time. Also, it was found that the reaction pH played an important role in the formation of octahedral GdVO4 microcrystals. A possible formation mechanism of octahedral GdVO4 microcrystals was discussed. The as-obtained Eu3+-doped GdVO4 products showed strong characteristic red emission under the ultraviolet excitation, which might find potential applications in the fields of fluorescent lamps, display systems and optoelectronic devices.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Octahedral GdVO4 microcrystals were synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal route. ► A dissolution–recrystallization mechanism was proposed. ► GdVO4:Eu3+ octahedral microcrystals show strong photoluminescence.