Synthesis and chemical properties of Y2O2S: Eu3+ nanostructures using composite-hydroxide-mediated method

One-dimensional (1D) Y₂O₂S:Eu³⁺ nanostructures were successfully synthesised using a composite-hydroxide-mediated method based on the use of molten composite hydroxides as solvent in chemical reactions at ~200°C. The important role in the initial nucleation stage of growing oriented Y₂O₂S:Eu³⁺ nanostructures by controlling the reaction parameters such as the molar ratio between the inorganic precursor and hydroxyl ions, temperature and reaction time are discussed. A reasonable control of the size and morphology are achieved. The advantages of low synthesis temperature, low pressure and low cost in the synthesis of functional nanostructures are presented. The morphology and the phase composition of the prepared nanostructures were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy disperse spectroscopy. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectra indicate its potential applications in light-emission devices.