A simple mixed-solvothermal route for LaPO4 nanorods: Synthesis, characterization, affecting factors and PL properties of LaPO4:Ce3+

In this paper, LaPO4 nanorods have been successfully synthesized via a simple water–ethyleneglycol (H2O–EG) mixed-solvothermal route, employing lanthanum nitrate (La(NO3)3·xH2O) as a La3+ ion source and monobasic sodium phosphate (NaH2PO4·2H2O) as a PO43- ion source. The as-obtained products were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), (high resolution) transmission electron microscopy (HR/TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Some factors influencing the formation of LaPO4 nanorods, including the reaction temperature, the volume ratio of water/EG and the original amount of H2PO4- ions, were investigated. Experiments showed that the volume ratio of water/EG and the original amount of H2PO4- ions could markedly affect the morphology of the final product.

Graphical abstractThe morphology of LaPO4 nanocrystals can be tuned in a water/ethyleneglycol system. The PL property of LaPO4:Ce3+ nanocrystals is investigated.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (213 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► LaPO4 nanorods have been successfully prepared by a simple mixed-solvothermal route. ► The morphology of the final product can be tuned by the volume ratio of water/EG. ► Excess H2PO4- ions are found to be unfavorable to the formation of LaPO4 nanorods.