Multiple irradiation triggered the formation of luminescent LaVO4: Ln3+ nanorods and in cellulose gels

A systematic study of the preparation of lanthanide (Eu3+, Tb3+, Sm3+ and Dy3+) phosphors was carried out and luminescent materials (red, green, orange-red and blue-yellow) were successfully achieved at low temperature (70 °C) in 45 min, using simultaneous supersonic and microwave irradiation. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic images indicate that one-dimensional nanorods with diameters of 10–20 nm and lengths of up to 200 nm were formed. The phosphors were entrapped in cellulose gels and the corresponding hydrogels were also strongly emissive.