Controlled synthesis of light rare-earth hydroxide nanorods via a simple solution route

Ln(OH)3 (Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) nanorods are synthesized without using any surfactants or templates at room temperature. The as-obtained nanorods are within 4–25 nm in diameter and up to 200 nm in length. The most important improvement is that the aspect ratio of the obtained nanorods can be effectively controlled by adjusting the reaction time and pH value of the reaction system. The as-synthesized nanorods are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). It is interesting to find that both the inherent crystal structure of light lanthanide hydroxide and the chemical potential affect the formation of nanorods. The photoluminescence (PL) instrument is used to investigate the optical properties of the Eu(OH)3 nanorods and its abnormal luminescence behaviors are observed.