Controlled synthesis of NdF3 and NaNdF4 micro- or nanocrystals by one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal reaction

NdF3 nanoflakes and hexagonal NaNdF4 nanorods were successfully prepared in a facile manner by the one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal reaction of Nd(NO3)(3)center dot 6H(2)O and NaF within 3 h at pH = 1 and pH = 3-10, respectively. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (C10H14N2O8Na2 center dot 2H(2)O, EDTA-2Na) was used as the morphology-controlling agent. The size, morphology, and crystallinity of the resulting nanocrystals can be easily tuned by adjusting the reaction temperature and time. The as-prepared NdF3 nanoflakes and NaNdF4 hexagonal prisms were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. All nanocrystals exhibited a typical hexagonal phase, and their crystallization improved with increasing reaction temperature and reaction time. A strong emission spectrum was observed at approximately 850-900, 1060, and 1330 nm for both NdF3 nanoflakes and NaNdF4 nanorods under a laser excitation of 354 nm, indicating that Nd3+ exhibits high luminescence in these two nanocrystals. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.