Controllable synthesis and luminescent properties of rare earth doped Gd₂(MoO₄)₃ nanoplates

For the first time, we have successfully synthesized rare-earth doped Gd₂(MoO₄)₃: RE³⁺ (RE=Eu, Tb) nanoplates by solvothermal method. The morphology of Gd₂(MoO₄)₃ can be manipulated by changing the reaction times and reaction temperatures. The composition and surface morphology have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Under the excitation of UV, Photoluminescence (PL) has been used to explore the excellent luminescence properties of the synthesized nanophosphors. The Gd₂(MoO₄)₃: Eu³⁺ phosphors shows a hypersensitive red emission (612nm) when excitation wavelength within the scope of 200-350nm corresponding to a ⁵D₀-⁷F₂ transition. Similarly, the Gd₂(MoO₄)₃: Tb³⁺ phosphors certificate a highly strong green emission at 544nm at an excitation wavelength of 298nm corresponding to a ⁵D₄-⁷F₅ transition. Furthermore, the characteristic spectrum peak of the Gd₂(MoO₄)₃: Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺ nanophosphor exhibits the corresponding spectra position (green emission at 544nm and red emission at 612nm). Hence, the obtained Gd₂(MoO₄)₃: RE³⁺ nanoplates may establish highly potentiality in light field applications.