Preparation and characterization of neodymium tin oxide pyrochlore nanocrystals by the hydrothermal method

Fine powder of Nd2Sn2O7 nanocrystals with a phase-pure pyrochlore structure were synthesized at low temperatures (200 degrees C) for 12h through the hydrothermal method in alkaline medium. The pH value of the solution was adjusted by addition of 1.0M NaOH solution to reach 11, and basically above 11 was shown to accelerate the crystallization process. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transformed InfraRed spectra. Scanning electron microscopy was used for morphologic evolution. Furthermore, photoluminescence characterization and UV-VIS spectra of the Nd2Sn2O7 pyrochlore nanocrystals showed clear luminescence and absorption peaks, and band gap energy were calculated using emission and absorption data.