Synthesis and characterizations of YVO4:Eu colloids

We present a new process for the synthesis of colloidal europium-doped yttrium vanadate with a particle diameter of about 10 nm. Nanocrystals are produced by precipitation of citrate complexes of rare-earth salts with sodium orthovanadate. NMR and IR studies show that the interaction between citrate ligands and lanthanide ions limits the growth of particles and ensures the stability of the colloidal solutions through electrostatic and steric repulsions. The optimized process leads to stable and highly concentrated transparent colloidal solutions in water (up to 400 g.L-1).