Synthesis of monodisperse sub-3 nm RE2O3and Gd2O3:RE3+nanocrystals

Monodisperse, colloidally stable, sub-3 nm europium sesquioxide (Eu 2 O 3 ), terbium sesquioxide (Tb 2 O 3 ), and Eu 3+ -doped gadolinium sesquioxide (Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ ) nanocrystals have been synthesized via a hot solution-phase technique. The oleic acid concentration facilitated the production of the nanocrystals in a range of sizes from sub-2 nm up to 5.0 nm. The Eu 2 O 3 and Gd 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ nanocrystals exhibit new luminescence peaks at 620 nm, which correspond to modulation of the 7 F 2 transition of the Eu 3+ ion. The Tb 2 O 3 nanocrystals express a new luminescence feature at 548 nm, which corresponds to modulation of the 7 F 5 transition of the Tb 3+ ion.