Rapid synthesis of size-controllable YVO4 nanoparticles by microwave irradiation

Sized-controlled YVO4 nanoparticles have been synthesized by a simple microwave irradiation processing. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The results showed that the size of as-synthesized YVO4 powders was in the range of 5–18 nm and was extremely dependent on the solution pH value. The optical measurements displayed the obvious quantum-size effect of the products.