Effect of La/Gd ratios on phase, morphology, and fluorescence properties of LaxGd1−xF3:Nd3+ nanocrystals

Abstract

A series of La_xGd_1−xF₃:Nd³⁺ (x = 0–1) nanocrystals (NCs) was prepared via a doping-controlled hydrothermal method. The XRD patterns showed that the orthorhombic phase of GdF₃ completely transforms into the hexagonal phase of LaF₃ when x = 0.3, which is dramatically different when x = 0.5 for the bulk materials. The morphology and near-infrared-to-near-infrared (NIR-to-NIR) fluorescence properties exhibited a direct dependence on the La/Gd ratio, providing an effective way to prepare numerous fluorescent NCs.