Y2O3:Tb Nanocrystals Self-Assembly into Nanorods by Oriented Attachment Mechanism

Y 2 O 3:Tb nanorods were obtained by self-assembly of nanocrystals using long-chain alkyl amines as the stabilizing agent. Spherical nanoparticles and nanorods can be selectively prepared by varying the synthesis parameters, including the reaction temperature and time or the ratio of yttrium precursors to amine. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) have been employed to characterize the as-prepared Y 2 O 3 nanostructures. Nanobeads like structures provide powerful evidence for the formation of Y 2 O 3 nanorods via an oriented attachment mechanism. Room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra were used to investigate the optical properties of the Y 2 O 3 nanostructures.