NaY(MoO₄)₂-based nanoparticles: synthesis, luminescence and photocatalytic properties

We report on a novel synthesis method, which produces NaY(MoO₄)₂ nanoparticles having an almost spherical shape and hydrophilic character. The procedure is also suitable for the preparation of NaY(MoO₄)₂-based nanophosphors by doping this host with lanthanide cations (Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺ and Dy³⁺), which, under UV illumination, exhibit intense luminescence whose color is determined by the selected doping cation (red for Eu³⁺, green for Tb³⁺ and yellow for Dy³⁺). The effects of the cations doping level on the luminescent properties are analyzed in terms of emission intensities and luminescent lifetime, to find the optimum phosphors. Finally, the performance of these nanophosphors and that of the undoped system for the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B, used as a model compound, is also analyzed.