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Published on: April 14, 2020
Pure monoclinic La(1-x)Eu(x)PO₄ micro-/nano-structures: fast synthesis, shape evolution and optical properties
Huanhuan Chen1, Yonghong Ni1, Xiang Ma2
1College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Solids of Education Ministry, Anhui Laboratory of Molecule-Based Materials, Anhui Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Solids, Anhui Normal University, 1 Beijing East Road, Wuhu 241000, PR China.
This study presents a rapid oil-bath synthesis of rare-earth-doped lanthanum phosphate (LaPO4) crystals. Europium (Eu) doping significantly alters crystal morphology and enhances photoluminescence properties, peaking at a 20% Eu concentration.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Rare-earth-doped lanthanum phosphate (LaPO4) crystals are of significant scientific interest.
- Understanding synthesis-structure-property relationships is crucial for developing advanced materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a fast and simple oil-bath synthesis method for LaPO4 and Eu-doped LaPO4 crystals.
- To investigate the effect of Eu(3+) doping on the crystal morphology and photoluminescence properties of LaPO4.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis via oil-bath route using lanthanum nitrate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and europium oxide in ethylene glycol at 120°C for 30 minutes.
- Characterization using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis.
- Morphological and microstructural analysis using electron microscopy (SEM/TEM).
Main Results:
- Pure monoclinic LaPO4 phase was obtained, unaffected by Eu(3+) incorporation.
- Eu(3+) doping induced significant changes in crystal morphology, transitioning from nanospheroids to microspheroids with increasing doping concentration.
- Photoluminescence (PL) intensity of La(1-x)Eu(x)PO4 was strongly dependent on Eu(3+) content, with optimal emission observed at x=0.2.
Conclusions:
- The oil-bath method provides a facile route for synthesizing Eu-doped LaPO4 crystals with tunable morphology.
- Eu(3+) doping is an effective strategy to modify the optical properties of LaPO4, achieving maximum photoluminescence at specific doping levels.
