Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Nd₂O₃ nanoparticles modified by sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate

This paper reports that Nd₂O₃ nanoparticles modified by AOT(sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate) were prepared using microemulsion method in the system of water and propanol/AOT/toluene. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the Nd₂O₃ nanoparticles take the shape of sphere with 18 nm and 31 nm with different preparation. The organic sol of Nd₂O₃ nanoparticles is very stable at room temperature. X-ray diffraction results show that the product has hexagonal phase structure. Two ultraviolet emission band at 344 nm and 361 nm corresponding to the transition of ⁴D_3/2 → 4 I_9/2 and 2P_{3 /2} →⁴ I_11/2 or ⁴D_3/2 → ⁴ I_13/2 were observed.