Synthesis of EuF3 Nanowires in Soybean Lecithin

The precursor was prepared in two steps: the soybean lecithin latex containing Eu3+ ions was prepared first using a EuCl3 solution. The vesicles formed spontaneously in the soybean lecithin aqueous solution and were used as a template. The precursor was then obtained by precipitating Eu3+ ions with NH4F in the vesicle system that was formed by soybean lecithin. EuF3 nanowires with diameters of about 10-20 nm were obtained from the precursor that was annealed at 600 degrees C. The formation of the EuF3 nanowires is discussed considering a comparative analysis by fluorescence spectra, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, thermal gravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the products from each stage. Results show that the Eu-O-P bond is formed by the coordination of Eu3+ ions and the nanowires arc multi-crystalline phase EuF3.