Well-defined sodium lanthanum tungstate hierarchical microcrystals: Controllable synthesis and luminescence properties

•Well-defined NaLa(WO4)2 microcrystals were prepared via a solvothermal route.•The morphology and particle size can be tuned by changing the reaction conditions.•The NaLa(WO4)2:Ln3+ samples exhibit characteristic emissions under UV excitation.•This synthesis strategy may be extended to prepare other tungstate materials.

Well-defined sodium lanthanum tungstate [NaLa(WO4)2] microcrystals with a variety of morphologies have been synthesized via a controllable solvothermal route. The as-synthesized NaLa(WO4)2 particles are well-dispersed with a narrow size distribution. The morphology and particle size of the NaLa(WO4)2 samples can be easily tuned in a controlled manner by changing the reaction conditions, including reaction temperature, component of solvent, and organic additives. The as-obtained NaLa(WO4)2:Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Sm, Tb, and Eu) samples exhibit intense characteristic green-yellow, orange-red, green, and red emissions under ultraviolet excitation, which might find potential applications in the fields of advanced flat panel displays, optoelectronic devices, and light emitting diodes (LEDs). This facile synthesis strategy may be of much significance for the fabrication of other well-defined rare earth tungstate functional materials.

Graphical abstractWell-defined NaLa(WO4)2 microcrystals with a variety of morphologies have been synthesized via a controllable solvothermal route. The morphology and particle size of the NaLa(WO4)2 samples can be easily tuned in a controlled manner by changing the reaction conditions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide