Exploring the Role of Sm3+ Concentration in Controlling the Structural Stability, Morphology Tunability, Optical Performance, and Luminescent Efficiency of NaLa x Sm1–x (MoO4)2 Nanophosphors

• Published in: ACS applied optical materials Vol. 3; no. 4; pp. 1011 - 1024
• Main Authors: George, Sahaya Dennish Babu, Nirathintavida Nittakaran, Shafeera, Arockiasamy, Judith Jayarani, Madamala, Swetha, Narasimman, Lavanya, Kuppamuthu, Sarojini, Xavier, Sahaya Shajan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 25.04.2025
• Subjects: Sm3+ activator; photoluminescence; rare-earth doping; molybdates; orange-red emission
• ISSN: 2771-9855; 2771-9855
• DOI: 10.1021/acsaom.5c00070

In this work, a highly effective oleic acid assisted hydrothermal method has been employed for the large-scale synthesis of NaLa x Sm1–x (MoO4)2 (x = 1, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25, and 0) nanophosphors. These nanophosphors crystallize in a pure tetragonal phase, exhibiting a remarkable morphological evolution from spherical nanoparticles to nanoplatelets and nanorice structures. The role of oleic acid as both a capping agent and shape modifier is crucial in tailoring the morphology, thereby influencing the optical properties. Structural and elemental analyses through SEM and TEM confirm the well-defined features and stoichiometric composition of the synthesized materials. Beyond their fascinating structural versatility, these nanophosphors demonstrate intense and tunable luminescence in the visible region, governed by the Sm3+ concentration. Under ultraviolet excitation, they emit a strong orange-red light, attributed to the characteristic f–f transitions of Sm3+ ions. Photoluminescence analysis further confirms the enhancement in luminescence efficiency, with an optimized Sm3+ doping concentration yielding superior quantum efficiency for optoelectronic applications. The ability to modulate the morphology and luminescence properties makes NaLa x Sm1–x (MoO4)2 (x = 1, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25, and 0) nanophosphors highly promising for advanced applications. This work paves the way for multifunctional luminescent materials with tailored properties for cutting-edge photonics, LEDs, security protection, and micronano optical functional device applications.