Scandinavian Conference on AI · 1998 · 11 citations · 0 references
A one-pot simple procedure for the synthesis of uniform, ellipsoidal Eu<sup>3+</sup>-doped sodium lanthanum tungstate and molybdate (NaLa(XO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>, X = W, Mo) nanophosphors, functionalized with carboxylate groups, is described. The method is based on a homogeneous precipitation process at 120 °C from appropriate Na<sup>+</sup>, Ln<sup>3+</sup> and tungstate or molybdate precursors dissolved in ethylene glycol/water mixtures containing polyacrylic acid. A comparative study of the luminescent properties of both luminescent materials as a function of the Eu<sup>3+</sup> doping level has been performed to find the optimum nanophosphor, whose efficiency as X-ray computed tomography contrast agent is also evaluated and compared with that of a commercial probe. Finally, the cell viability and colloidal stability in physiological pH medium of the optimum samples have also been studied to assess their suitability for biomedical applications.