Generalized synthesis of 1-D nanoporous aluminates by using a sacrificial template especially evidenced in case of ZnAl2O4:EU3+ phosphors

We demonstrated here the hydrothermal synthetic method to prepare 1-D NH4Al(OH)(2)CO3 nanowires acting as the sacrificial template, which were further converted into 1-D narroporous ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors under calcining conditions. The as-prepared ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors were well characterized by means of XRPD, FESEM, TEM, HRTEM, N-2 adsorption and desorption, and PL techniques. The experimental results reveal that the sacrificial template of NH4Al(OH)(2)CO3 nanowires plays the crucial role in the formation of 1-D nanoporous ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors. The N-2 adsorption and desorption data show the mesoporous property of ZnAl2O4:EU3+ phosphors, having the surface area of 39.75 m(2) g(-1). The photoluminescent excitation and emission spectra illustrate the excellent red-emitting property of ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors. In particular, this synthetic strategy can be extended to prepare other kinds of 1-D nanoporous aluminates Such as CoAl2O4 and CuAl2O4, Clearly indicating its generality and significance. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.