Synthesis of luminescent SnO2:Eu3+ nanorods via a salt-assisted solution combustion process

SnO2:Eu3+ nanorods have been successfully synthesized by annealing products from microwave-induced KCl-assisted solution combustion reaction, which uses tin (IV) chloride pentahydrate and europium nitrate as cationic source, ethyl glycol as fuel and ammonium nitrate as combustion-supporting agent. The structural and photoluminescent properties of SnO2:Eu3+ nanorods were investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), selected area electron diffractometry (SAED), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The phase transformation in the synthetic process was observed by X-ray diffraction pattern. Accordingly, the growth mechanism of SnO2:Eu3+ nanorods was discussed. The results showed that the SnO2:Eu3+ nanorods were rutile-structured single crystals with 10-15 nm in diameter and 200-250 nm in length. Proper addition of KCl into redox mixture solution is critical to the formation of SnO2:Eu3+ nanorods. The doped Eu3+ concentration has obvious effect on the photoluminescence of SnO2:Eu3+ nanorods. The approach is convenient, inexpensive and efficient for the high yield preparation of SnO2:Eu3+ nanorods.