UV radiation: a promising tool in the synthesis of multicomponent nano-oxides

Photochemical synthesis of selected multicomponent compounds, namely cadmium or magnesium zinc oxides doped with Ga3+ ions—Zn1−x Cd x (Mg x )O:Ga—and lutetium aluminum garnets Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG) doped with Pr3+ or Eu3+ ions (LuAG:Pr(Eu)), was successfully performed. The synthesis is based on photo-induced precipitation of solid precursors from aqueous solutions containing formate anion and soluble metal salts (nitrates or chlorides). Low pressure mercury lamps were used for the irradiation of solutions. Solid precursors were subsequently separated from aqueous phase and calcined to obtain the final products. Prepared materials feature high chemical purity, good crystallinity, and nano-dimensions in the range of 10–100 nm. Due to the high level of interaction among individual components in photo-precipitated precursors, no additional oxide phases were observed after calcination apart from the desired solid phase. Moreover, highly intensive radioluminescence or shift of excitonic luminescence has been observed, depending on type and composition of prepared materials. Results indicate that prepared nanomaterials may be prospectively utilized as highly efficient nanoscintillators for preparation of optical ceramics or band-gap engineered nanophosphors.