Yb2O3 nanowires, nanorods and nano-square plates

Developing a new morphology and revealing new physicochemical properties are very important steps in industrial applications. In this study, ytterbium oxide (Yb2O3) nanowires, nanorods and nano-square plates were first synthesized by a facial hydrothermal method and a post-thermal treatment, and characterized by X-ray diffraction crystallography, Fourier transform-infrared, UV–visible-NIR absorption, photoluminescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology and the microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. As-prepared samples with different morphologies showed different crystal phases but changed to the same cubic Yb2O3 phase upon thermal treatment. Eu(III) and Tb(III) activator ions were also doped into Yb2O3 host materials and discussed.