Thermal conversion of infinite coordination polymers to europium-doped yttrium oxide microspheres

Abstract

We report the synthesis and thermal conversion of an infinite coordination polymer (ICP) based on the pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate linker, malonate coordination modulator, and Y3+ metallic matrix doped with 5 % of Eu3+. The ICP particles exhibited spherical morphology and diameters between 1.0 and 3.0 µm. Then, this sample was subjected to a calcination process in order to obtain luminescent Y2O3:Eu3+ particles with the same spherical morphology but with smaller diameters overall (<1.5 µm). A focused ion beam (FIB) was used to slice the particles and observe their insides using SEM. While the precursor ICP particles exhibit a smooth and massive interior, the calcinated Y2O3:Eu3+ particles show internal channels and cracks due to the combustion of the organic components. The combination of excellent luminescent behavior, spherical shape, microsize, and presence of internal channels can lead to multifunctional Y2O3:Eu3+ microparticles for biomedicine, photonics, and catalysis applications.