Controlled synthesis of Y2O3 nanoplates with improved performance

Y2O3 nanoplates composed of nanoparticles with both low-energy and high-energy facets exposed have been synthesized via a facile hydrothermal approach and subsequent calcination treatment. The pH value of the reaction solution was observed to play a key role for the formation and even the size- and thickness-control of the nanoplate-like precursor. On calcination at 900 degrees C for 4 h, the precursors were decomposed into Y2O3 with well-maintained flakelike morphology. These Y2O3 nanoplates showed obviously improved catalytic CO oxidation activities than commercial and synthesized nanorod Y2O3. Under the UV excitation, flake-like Y2O3:Eu3+ Phosphors exhibit strong red photoluminescence emissions, and nanoplates with the reaction temperature of 180 degrees C, reaction time of 36 h, as well as pH value of 7.4 showed the strongest photoluminescence intensity. This precursor-induced path provided not only a meaningful reference for dimension and size controlled synthesis, but also a potential way to achieve high-active facet exposed materials.