Controlled synthesis and characterization of EuF3 with ring-like morphology

The orthorhombic EuF3 with ring morphology has been synthesized by controlled reaction between Eu(NO3)3·6H2O and KBF4 via a simple hydrothermal route. The microstructures and morphologies of the products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Time-dependent studies of the reactions have been conducted to reveal the morphological evolution of the ring-like structure. The formation of ring-like structure of EuF3 may involved a phase transformation from hexagonal to orthorhombic structure and the self-assembly of arc building-blocks. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectra showed that the morphology and size of the products had great influence on their emission intensity.