CaWO4 hierarchical nanostructures: hydrothermal synthesis, growth mechanism and photoluminescence properties

Abstract

Novel shuttle-like CaWO₄ hierarchical nanostructures were synthesized by a poly(diallyldimethyl-ammonium chloride) (PDDA)-assisted hydrothermal route. The morphology, crystallinity, and composition of the nanostructures were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and thermogravimetry analysis (TG). The effects of reaction duration, pH value, and concentration of reaction reagents on the morphology of CaWO₄ nanostructures have been studied systematically. A plausible mechanism based on self-assembly is proposed. In addition, the photoluminescence property of the nanostructures was studied, demonstrating the potential of these nanostructures in future applications.