Synthesis procedure optimization and characterization of europium (III) tungstate nanoparticles

Taguchi robust design as a statistical method was applied for the optimization of process parameters in order to tunable, facile and fast synthesis of europium (III) tungstate nanoparticles. Europium (III) tung-state nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical precipitation reaction involving direct addition of europium ion aqueous solution to the tungstate reagent solved in an aqueous medium. Effects of some synthesis procedure variables on the particle size of europium (III) tungstate nanoparticles were studied. Analysis of variance showed the importance of controlling tungstate concentration, cation feeding flow rate and temperature during preparation of europium (III) tungstate nanoparticles by the proposed chemical precipitation reaction. Finally, europium (III) tungstate nanoparticles were synthesized at the optimum conditions of the proposed method. The morphology and chemical composition of the prepared nano-material were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and fluorescence. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved,