Synthesis of nanocrystalline and nanostructured oxide materials by controlled precipitation in a polyol medium

A novel approach in utilizing the polyol method was used for the preparation of nanocrystalline and nanostructured undoped and Tb3+-doped Y2O3 materials. By this method, particles in colloidal solution and re-dispersible powders with spherical shape and luminescent properties were formed. The materials were characterised by High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and Luminescence Spectroscopy (LS). Oxide nanoparticles 5 to 6 nm in size, with homogeneous distribution, good morphology and high crystallinity were obtained, being colloidally stable for weeks. In the case of the re-dispersible powders, nanostructured aggregates 300 to 400 nm in size were observed, containing ultra-small individual nano-oxide bcc crystallites. In addition, the nanocrystalline and nanostructured Tb3+-doped Y2O3 materials showed luminescent properties.