Synthesis and characterisation of Eu3+ doped lanthanum vanadate nanoparticles

Lanthanide orthovanadates are an important family compounds due to their wide applications as catalysts, polarizers, laser host materials and phosphors. In the present study, europium doped lanthanum vanadate nanoparticles were synthesized by wet-chemical route in ethylene glycol/ glycerol medium. Various experimental parameters such as amount of the solvent, La/Eu ratio and temperature were varied with a view to optimize the synthesis of LaVO4:Eu3+ nanomaterials with high luminescence characteristics. Stoichiometric amounts of La2O3 and Eu2O3 were dissolved in dilute HCl and the excess acid was removed by repeated evaporation by adding water. This solution was then mixed with ethylene glycol and heated to 100 ℃ with constant stirring in an oil bath. At this temperature ammonium metavanadate dissolved in NaOH was added drop wise. The temperature was then increased over the range 100 to 190 ℃ and the precipitate obtained was characterised by XRD and luminescence techniques