Synthesis of monodisperse sub-3 nm RE₂O₃and Gd₂O₃:RE³⁺nanocrystals

Abstract

Monodisperse, colloidally stable, sub-3 nm europium sesquioxide (Eu2O3), terbium sesquioxide (Tb2O3), and Eu3+-doped gadolinium sesquioxide (Gd2O3:Eu3+) nanocrystals have been synthesized via a hot solution-phase technique. The oleic acid concentration facilitated the production of the nanocrystals in a range of sizes from sub-2 nm up to 5.0 nm. The Eu2O3 and Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanocrystals exhibit new luminescence peaks at 620 nm, which correspond to modulation of the 7F2 transition of the Eu3+ ion. The Tb2O3 nanocrystals express a new luminescence feature at 548 nm, which corresponds to modulation of the 7F5 transition of the Tb3+ ion.