A User-Friendly Method for Synthesizing High-Quality NaYF4 : Yb,Er(Tm)‎ Nanocrystals in Liquid Paraffin

Abstract EN

Application of “green chemistry” concept to synthesize nanomaterials is the current goal in developing new techniques for producing materials in commercial scale.

In this study, we reported a low-cost and convenient method for synthesizing high-quality NaYF4:Yb,Er(Tm) nanocrystals (NCs) in liquid paraffin.

Experimental results indicated that the as-prepared NCs possessed pure β-phase structure, narrow size distribution, as well as strong up-conversion fluorescence.

By varying the doped lanthanides, Er or Tm, the emission color of up-conversion fluorescence was tunable.

In comparison to other high-boiling-point organic solvents, liquid paraffin is cheaper and prolific in oil industry.

Besides, 280∘C was the optimal temperature for NaYF4:Yb,Er(Tm) synthesis, which was lower than that in the previous reports using other high-boiling-point organic solvents.

Accordingly, this user-friendly method will facilitate the synthesis of high-quality lanthanide-doped NaYF4 NCs in commercial scale.