Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of YVO4 and YVO4:Eu3+ nanobelts and polyhedral micron crystals

YVO4 and YVO4:Eu3+ nanobelts and polyhedral micrometer crystals have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal treating the mixture of NH4VO3 and Y(NO3)(3) without the aid of any surfactants and templates. The thickness, widths, and lengths Of YVO4 nanobelts are about 40-60 nm, 110-180 nm, and several micrometers, respectively. Such nanobelts can grow along the [010] direction. YVO4 polyhedral micrometer crystals have flat faces and regular shapes. The influences of pH values on the morphologies Of YVO4 have been investigated. The photoluminescence properties Of YVO4:Eu3+ nanobelts and polyhedron microcrystals have been discussed.