Design of red/green emissive lanthanide activated nano-materials by supersonic and microwave co-irradiations

Abstract ZnSnO 3 :Eu 3+ and Sr 1− x Ca x MoO 4 :Tb 3+ nanocrystals with controlled shape have been assembled in the presence of two driving forces (supersonic microwave co-assistance, abbreviated as SMC) simultaneously in less than 60 min at very low temperature (80 °C). Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM) images further supported the existence of cubic crystals and shuttle-like structures. More interestingly, Eu(III) ion has been encapsulated into zinc stannate for the first time and ZnSnO 3 :Eu 3+ can exhibit red emissions excited by long wavelength (395 nm). Similarly, it was found that Sr 1− x Ca x MoO 4 :Tb 3+ had striking green luminescence. The parameters to improve the optical properties have been studied in detail. This convenient approach may be applicable to construct other phosphors with well-defined crystalline structures.