Reaction study of α-phase NaYF4:Yb,Er generation via a tubular microreactor: discovery of an efficient synthesis strategy

Abstract

α-Phase NaREF₄ is the necessary intermediate to obtain β-phase NaREF₄, which is good at upconversion luminescence. We herein report microreaction research on the generation of α-NaYF₄:Yb,Er nanoparticles. Owing to the fast heating and cooling ability of a quartz microreactor, α-NaYF₄:Yb,Er was successfully generated within a reaction time of <10 min. The results showed that it was difficult to complete the α-NaYF₄:Yb,Er generation reaction in such a short reaction time by using the traditional synthetic route with a precursor solution containing NaF. However, as we changed the precursor to a solution containing amorphous NaREF₄, the yield of α-NaYF₄:Yb,Er increased to 95%. By focusing on applying the new precursor solution, we investigated the influence of the reaction temperature on the morphology of α-NaYF₄:Yb,Er and exhibited the effects of size and crystallinity of α-NaYF₄:Yb,Er on the generation of β-NaYF₄:Yb,Er. Finally, an improved microreaction system with an in-line mixing of NH₄REF₄ and NaOA solutions was developed, whose products were successfully converted to uniform β-NaYF₄:Yb,Er nanocrystals through the Ostwald-ripening process. The new reaction path and the reaction device further opened a door for the highly efficient synthesis of upconversion luminescent nanoparticles.