Facile synthesis of Y4O(OH)9NO3:Eu3+/Y2O3:Eu3+nanotubes and nanobundles from nanolamellar precursors

Abstract

Y₄O(OH)₉NO₃:Eu³⁺ nanotubes and nanobundles were successfully synthesized from nanolamellar precursors in large quantities with a direct hydrothermal method. Different choices of solvents led to different products with distinct morphologies. Nanosheet precursors were obtained using water as the solvent while Y₄O(OH)₉NO₃:Eu³⁺ nanotubes and nanobundles were produced by introducing ethylene glycol into the solvent. The observations of scanning and transmission electron microscopy are in good agreement with the proposed “rolling mechanism” and the effects of solvents on the morphology changes were discussed. The Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ nanotubes and nanobundles were obtained by subsequent calcinations of the corresponding Y₄O(OH)₉NO₃:Eu³⁺ precursors. The photoluminescent properties of the phosphors have been discussed in detail.