Preparation of highly ordered growth of single-crystalline Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanostructures

Graphical abstract: Fabrication of highly ordered single-crystalline Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanostructures over a porous anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template via hydrothermal method is described. Well aligned non-collapsed Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanostructures are ideal functional components for next generation luminescent devices. Research highlights: → Synthesis of highly ordered Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanotubes, nanorods and nanoflowers. → Using template-assisted (AAO) hydrothermal method. → Well aligned nanostructures for next generation luminescent devices. → Detailed structural, morphology and the phase composition were studied. -- Abstract: A simple and facile template-assisted hydrothermal route has been demonstrated for the shape-selective preparation of highly ordered single-crystalline Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanostructures, such as nanotubes, nanorods and nanoflowers. These fabricated nanostructures possess desirable atomic structures, surfaces, morphologies and properties to meet the growing demands and specific requirements of new technologies. The concentration of precursor chemicals, the temperature, the reaction time, and the use of a capping agent are key factors in the morphological control of Gd2O2S:Eu3+ nanostructures. The morphology and the phase composition of the prepared nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) and photoluminescence (PL). We believe this technique will be readily adopted in realizing other forms of various nanostructured materials.