Nanostructured CeO2:Eu3+ luminophore obtained by low temperature benzenetricarboxylate method

Nanostructured CeO2:Eu3+ was synthesized by low temperature thermolysis (500 °C, 1 h) of RE3+-benzenetricarboxylate precursors (RE: Rare Earth). This preparation method is shown to produce easily dispersible highly crystalline nanoparticles with sharp crystallite size distribution, presenting large advantage over widespread available processes. The resulting nanomaterial (Ø 7-48 nm obtained from TEM and PXRD analysis) presents exclusively CeIV oxidation state according to XANES measurements. The doping process provides a solid solution with Eu3+ occupying the octahedral CeIV site, indicated by the photoluminescent characterization of the nanoparticles. The use of aqueous solvent, simple experimental apparatus, low energy input and easily accessible precursors make the benzenetricarboxylate method attractive for low cost nanoparticle synthesis.