Preparation, characterization and optical properties of terbium oxide nanotubes

Tb₂O₃ nanotubes were fabricated by calcination of the precursor Tb(OH)₃ nanotubes prepared by a template-assisted hydrothermal route. The oxide nanotubes have outer diameters ranging from 80 to 100 nm, wall thickness of about 30 nm, and lengths up to several micrometers. The optical absorption spectrum shifted to high energy and became broad, more lines were observed in the emission bands in comparison with the bulk. Surface effects were found to account for these novel optical properties.