CaWO4 hierarchical nanostructures: hydrothermal synthesis, growth mechanism and photoluminescence properties

Novel shuttle-like CaWO4 hierarchical nanostructures were synthesized by a poly(diallyldimethyl-ammonium chloride) (PDDA)-assisted hydrothermal route. The morphology, crystallinity, and composition of the nanostructures were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and thermogravimetry analysis (TG). The effects of reaction duration, pH value, and concentration of reaction reagents on the morphology of CaWO4 nanostructures have been studied systematically. A plausible mechanism based on self-assembly is proposed. In addition, the photoluminescence property of the nanostructures was studied, demonstrating the potential of these nanostructures in future applications.