3D flower-like Y2O3:Eu3+ nanostructures: Template-free synthesis and its luminescence properties

In this work, a facile route using simple hydrothermal reaction and sequential calcinations to synthesize 3-dimensional flower-like Y2O3:Eu3+ nanoarchitectures without employing templates or matrix for self-assembly is presented. The flower-like nanostructures are composed of nanosheets with thickness of about 30 nm, which is verified by the field-emission electron microscopy (FESEM). Influencing factors such as the dosage of reactants, the solvent, and pH are systematically investigated. The time-dependent experiments indicate a self-assembly mechanism. This method is also applicable in the preparation of other lanthanide oxides. The PL spectra of the as-synthesized Y2O3:Eu3+ are systematically studied. Both the Eu3+ concentration and the calcinations temperature have great effect on the luminescence intensity of 5D0–7F2 transition. The decay curve of the 5D0 transition shows that the lifetime of the as-obtained Y2O3:Eu3+ is about 2.4 ms.

Graphical abstractThe sample is composed of a large number of uniform flower-like nanostructures. The average size of the as-obtained nanostructure is about 6 μm. A closer inspection further reveals that the flower is made up of many thin petals, the thickness of which is ca. 30 nm.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide