Nano-structured NaLa(MoO4)2 and Eu3+-doped NaLa(MoO4)2: Synthesis, characterizations, photoluminescence and superhydrophobic properties

In this article, we reported on controlled synthesis of nano/micro-structured NaLa(MoO4)(2) and NaLa(MoO4)(2):Eu3+ via a facile surfactant-assisted hydrothermal process. It is found that the morphology and crystallization of the molybdates are affected by such growth parameters as temperature, pH value, reaction time and reactant concentrations. The formation mechanism is suggested that contains steps of fast nucleation, self-assembly in the stabilizer, hydrothermal isolation and, finally, the micrometer scaled particle appearance The Eu3+ doped molybdate is superhydrophobic and also luminescent. These properties make the doped molybdates as potential candidates for waterproof light emitting materials. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.