Systematic synthesis and characterization of single-crystal lanthanide phenylphosphonate nanorods

Using low-temperature hydrothermal methods, nanoscale lanthanide phenylphosphonates species with different morphologies, namely, nanoparticles and nanorods, have been systematically synthesized. The possible growth mechanism of these nanorods was discussed. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and photoluminescence spectra were used to characterize these materials. The photoluminescent properties of Eu(O3PC6H5)(HO3PC6H5) and La0.91Eu0.09(O3PC6H5)(HO3PC6H5) nanorods were discussed.