MgAl2O4:Eu3+ nanoplates and nanoparticles as red-emitting phosphors: Shape-controlled synthesis and photoluminescent properties

We demonstrate herein a facile hydrothermal synthesis followed by post-annealing approach to selectively prepare MgAl2O4:Eu3+ nanoplates and nanoparticles. Series of scientific techniques such as XRPD, FESEM, TEM, HRTEM, and PL were adopted to characterize the as-prepared MgAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors. First, by altering the amount of hexamethylenetetramine (abbr. HMTA) in solution, MgAl2O4:Eu3+ nanoplates occurred. Next, MgAl2O4:Eu3+ nanoparticles were prepared by adding certain amounts of sodium citrate and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (abbr. SDBS). In particular, the MgAl2O4:Eu3+ nanoplates have novel porous structures. Besides, the MgAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors exhibit excellent red-emitting properties based upon the characteristic transitions of Eu3+ from D-5(0) --> F-7(J) = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4). (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.