Formation of Ca2Gd8(SiO4)6O2 Nanorod Bundles Based on Crystal Splitting by Mixed Solvothermal and Hydrothermal Reaction Methods

Oxyapatite Ca2Gd8(SiO4)6O2 (CGS) nanostructures with nanorod bundle-like morphology are prepared by mixed solvothermal and hydrothermal reaction methods. Detailed structural and morphological studies are performed using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy measurements. CGS nanorod bundles are formed by crystal splitting, and the growth mechanism as a function of reaction time is discussed. The size and crystal splitting of the nanorod bundles are controlled by varying the concentration of 2-propanol. The annealing temperature does not have any effect on the morphology of CGS nanorod bundles, and the bundles can sustain high temperatures, which confirms the crystal splitting of nanorod bundles. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescent studies are carried out by activating the Eu3+ ions in the CGS host lattice as a function of annealing temperature. The corresponding CIE chromaticity coordinates are in close proximity to the commercial red emitting phosphor chromaticity coordinates.