Facile synthesis of GdPO4:Eu>sup>3+ hierarchical hollow spheres via chemical conversion

Nano-sized GdPO₄:Eu³⁺ hierarchical hollow spheres were successfully synthesised through chemical conversion using Gd(OH)CO₃:Eu³⁺ nanospheres as templates. The obtained hollow spheres were composed of primary nanowires. Based on the time-dependent experiments, the hollow shells were proposed to be formed through chemical conversion from the precursor spheres. The as-prepared GdPO₄:Eu³⁺ hollow spheres exhibit good photoluminescence performance. Furthermore, the current method can serve as a general way for the synthesis of rare-earth phosphates hollow spheres.