Synthesis and physical characteristics of ZnAl2O4 nanocrystalline and ZnAl2O4/Eu core-shell structure via hydrothermal route

Nanocrystalline zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4) particles with a spinel structure were prepared by hydrolyzing a mixture of aluminum chloride hexahydrate and zinc chloride in deionized water. It was found that pH value and reaction temperature play critical roles in the formation of nano-sized ZnAl2O4. Depending on pH values in the precursor solution, ZnAl layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH), ZnO, boehmite or gibbsite could be formed. At pH 7 and T>120 °C, the nanocrystalline ZnAl2O4 particles with average particle size of ∼5 nm are easily synthesized through ZnAl layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH). After surface treatment with R–OH by using the cationic surfactant CTAB, the ZnAl2O4/Eu core-shell structure can be developed. The ZnAl2O4/Eu core-shell structure can show both emissions from 5D0 to 7F2 sensitivity energy level and 5D2 to 7F0 depth energy level.