Potassium sodium tartrate-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of BaLuF5:Yb3+/Er3+ nanocrystals

Highly-dispersed BaLuF 5 :Yb 3+ /Er 3+ nanocrystals were prepared by a facile potassium sodium tartrate-assisted hydrothermal method. The average particle size was approximately 20–25   nm. The formation mechanism is discussed. Potassium sodium tartrate led to form a complex with an approximately three-dimensional network structure, which insured largely concurrent nucleation. As a result, we acquired uniform nanoparticles. The hydrothermal temperature, holding time, and pH value were important factors affecting the formation of the BaLuF 5 :Yb 3+ /Er 3+ nanocrystals. We investigated their influence on the formation and realized the optimal reaction parameters. Remarkably, potassium sodium tartrate also contributed to the biocompatibility and potential biomedical applications of BaLuF 5 :Yb 3+ /Er 3+ nanocrystals by decomposing into small organic groups attached to the nanoparticles.