Investigations of TiO₂ Nanoparticles Surface-Doped with Eu in Aqueous Fluids to High P-T Conditions

Abstract

A hydrothermal reactor has been used for surface doping of anatase TiO 2 nanoparticles (~ 13 nm across) with Eu 3+ ions in aqueous fluids to 370 ˚C and ~20 MPa. XRD and Raman measurements made both before and after hydrothermal treatment with Eu show that the anatase structure of the TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) is preserved. SEM imaging, combined with XRD indicates that the size and overall morphology of the TiO 2 nanoparticles is preserved subsequent to hydrothermal treatment in the presence of Eu. The photoluminescence occurring in the 400 to ~700 nm range of the (as prepared) Eu surface-doped TiO 2 NPs are red-shifted by ~ 50 nm and reduced in intensity relative to the photoluminescence of TiO 2 NPs.