High quality colloidal GdVO4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles synthesized via a protected calcination process for versatile applications

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 130
Author(s): Yanjie Liang, Hyeon Mi Noh, Junpeng Xue, Haeyoung Choi, Sung Heum Park, Byung Chun Choi, Jung Hwan Kim, Jung Hyun Jeong
GdVO4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles with high crystallinity and water dispersibility have been synthesized by a facile hydrothermal approach followed by a protected calcination treatment. The crude GdVO4:Yb,Er nanoparticles obtained by hydrothermal approach show cubic morphology with a diameter of about 45nm. A layer of SiO2 was coated on the surface of nanoparticles to avoid particles growth and aggregation during thermal treatment. After the dissolution of SiO2 layer by chemical etching in aqueous NaOH solution, the as-prepared highly crystalline GdVO4:Yb,Er nanoparticles not only maintain their nanostructure properties but show high chemical stability and good water dispersibility. Intense green upconversion luminescence is achieved under the 980nm laser diode excitation. The approach reported here can be "borrowed" to guide the synthesis of other oxide-based luminescent nanoparticles and will access their suitability for many technologically important applications.

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