Facile fabrication and photoluminescent characteristics of La(OH)3:Eu3+ nanobelts

Large area La(OH)3:Eu3+ nanobelts were synthesized in aqueous solution containing La(NO3)3, Eu(NO3)3, and CH3COONH4 with a current density of 2.0 mA cm−2 at 343 K via a simple and efficient electrochemical deposition. The nanobelts typically have an average diameter of 100–200 nm, and length of up to hundreds nanometers. The surface morphologies of La(OH)3:Eu3+ can be well controlled by changing the concentration of CH3COONH4 and the current densities. CH3COONH4 plays a key role in the formation of nanostructures. The gas bubbles functioning as a dynamic template were firstly utilized in our research for the synthesis of nanobelts. The photoluminescence properties of the as-prepared and annealed nanobelts were also investigated.