Novel method for synthesis of ultra small LaPO₄:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles

Nano-dimension materials are paving the way for newer applications with enhanced properties over the bulk counterparts like very high quantum yields and lower detection limits in bioassay. At present, a large variety of synthetic techniques are at hand for the synthesis of nanomaterials, such as thermal decomposition, precipitation, hot injection, solvo thermal methods etc. to cater the need of different aspects of nanomaterial applications. Thermal decomposition methods in high boiling coordinating ligands such as oleic acid and oleyl amine are the standard protocols used in many studies of fluoride and phosphate-based methods. The drawback with these methods lies in the synthesis of the lanthanide precursors which are moisture sensitive and difficult to prepare at ambient conditions. Here, in this study, we synthesized LaPO₄ and Eu³⁺ doped LaPO₄ nanoparticles using green solvent, having size less than 5 nm, as revealed by Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS). In conclusion, this novel synthetic methodology for preparation of ultra small lanthanide doped nanoparticles is very simple and material obtained has good luminescence properties