Thermal conversion of infinite coordination polymers to europium-doped yttrium oxide microspheres

Abstract

• •Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ microspheres were obtained by calcinating infinite coordination polymers. • •A relatively low temperature (550 °C) could be used for the thermal conversion. • •An increase of luminescence intensity could be observed after calcination. • •The particles were sliced using focused ion beam (FIB) and studied by SEM. We report the synthesis and thermal conversion of an infinite coordination polymer (ICP) based on the pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylate linker, malonate coordination modulator, and Y 3+ metallic matrix doped with 5 % of Eu 3+ . The ICP particles exhibited spherical morphology and diameters between 1.0 and 3.0 µm. Then, this sample was subjected to a calcination process in order to obtain luminescent Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ particles with the same spherical morphology but with smaller diameters overall (<1.5 µm). A focused ion beam (FIB) was used to slice the particles and observe their insides using SEM. While the precursor ICP particles exhibit a smooth and massive interior, the calcinated Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ particles show internal channels and cracks due to the combustion of the organic components. The combination of excellent luminescent behavior, spherical shape, microsize, and presence of internal channels can lead to multifunctional Y 2 O 3 :Eu 3+ microparticles for biomedicine, photonics, and catalysis applications.