Optical Properties of Eu3+-Doped Y2O3 Nanotubes and Nanosheets Synthesized by Hydrothermal Method

Y
₂
O
₃
:Eu
³⁺
nanomaterials were obtained using a low-cost, large-scale, solution-based hydrothermal method followed by a thermal annealing process. The morphology of the Y
₂
O
₃
:Eu
³⁺
nanomaterials can be controlled by tuning the aging time, aging temperature, and the pH values of the suspension. The optical properties of Y
₂
O
₃
:Eu
³⁺
nanosheets and nanotubes were investigated with the goal of improving the material's functionalities. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy images, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images, emission spectra, excitation spectra, and fluorescence decay curves were measured and compared. The results showed that a novel Eu
³⁺
environment exists in Y
₂
O
₃
:Eu
³⁺
nanosheets, which led to rapid decay of emission at 611 nm. The unique properties of Y
₂
O
₃
:Eu
³⁺
nanosheets could lead to potential applications in white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on GaAlN deep UV LEDs.