Controlled synthesis and luminescence properties of β-NaGdF4: Yb3+, Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles

β-NaGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion (UC) nanoparticles (UCNPs) were prepared by a facile hydrothermal process with the assistance of sodium ethylene diaminetetraacetate salt (EDTA-2Na). The morphologies of the β-NaGdF4 UCNPs were controlled by changing the doses of EDTA-2Na and NaOH in precursor. With increasing concentration of EDTA-2Na in precursor, the size of crystals decreased, resulting in the decreasing of luminescence intensity. With increasing concentration of NaOH in precursor, the morphology became more homogeneous. However, due to the reduction of grain size and crystal quality, the luminescence intensity decreased. Nevertheless, the above results demonstrated a simple route to fabricate homogeneous UCNPs.