3D flower-like Y(2)O(3):Eu(3+) 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 Y(2)O(3):Eu(3+) 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 Y(2)O(3):Eu(3+) are systematically studied. Both the Eu(3+) concentration and the calcinations temperature have great effect on the luminescence intensity of (5)D(0)-(7)F(2) transition. The decay curve of the (5)D(0) transition shows that the lifetime of the as-obtained Y(2)O(3):Eu(3+) is about 2.4 ms.