Electrodeposition of high aspect ratio LaPO4 and LaPO4:Ln3+ (Ln3 + = Ce3+, Tb3+) nanostructures

Abstract LaPO 4 and LaPO 4 :Ln 3+ (Ln 3+  = Ce 3+ , Tb 3+ ) nanostructures composed of interlaced high-aspect-ratio nanorods have been electrodeposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate in aqueous solutions near room temperature without any surfactant, catalyst, or template. The deposits obtained at 1.6 V vs SCE and 80 °C are composed of interlaced nanorods with the length up to 300–500 nm and the diameter from 10 nm to 20 nm. The HRTEM image and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) of LaPO 4 nanorods indicate that the LaPO 4 nanorods are single crystal hexagonal structure. The energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping indicates that the doped Tb 3+ ions are distributed homogeneously in the nanorods. The LaPO 4 :Ce 3+ :Tb 3+ (Ce 3+ , 10 mol% and Tb 3+ , 20 mol%) nanostructures exhibit strong green emission at room temperature. The method is a novel and facile route for the fabrication of nanophosphor structures or films.