Morphology and photoluminescence properties of NaNd(MoO₄)₂ synthesized by a molten salt method

Octahedra-like NaNd(MoO₄)₂ microcrystals with tetragonal scheelite-type structure were successfully synthesized by a low cost molten salt method using halons (NaCl or NaBr) as flux. The as-prepared products were characterized by powder X-ray diffractometer, field emission-scanning electron microscope and photoluminescence spectrometer (PL). The results show that the reaction parameters including calcining temperature, reaction time, and the type of salt play important roles on the morphologies and sizes of the NaNd(MoO₄)₂ microcrystals. The excitation spectra of the NaNd(MoO₄)₂ octahedron-like crystals were observed with a maximum peak at 585 nm (λ_em = 1066 nm). The emission spectra were recorded under excitation wavelength of 585 nm and exhibit the strongest peak at 1066 nm. In addition, the results revealed the size effect on the PL intensity of NaNd(MoO₄)₂ crystals, that the PL intensity of microcrystals is higher than that of nanocrystals. These imply that NaNd(MoO₄)₂ microcrystals have potential application in the field of solid state laser materials.