Background:
Researchers have pursued the new synthesis method. As a newly developed
method, microwave (MW), ultrasound (US) and ultraviolet light (UV) assisted synthesis has drawn
increasing interests. Under the synergistic effect, many materials with new structure, morphology and
properties may be found. As an important rare-earth phosphate, DyPO4 was selected and the effect of
MW, US and UV on the preparation was investigated.
Method:
The DyPO4·1.5H2O nanostructures were prepared by MW, US, UV and their combination.
Results:
Hexagonal DyPO4·1.5H2O microcrystals obtained under MW irradiation were broomstick
bundles. Needle-shaped products were formed in the presence of MW and US. Interestingly, the
broom-sheaf-like structures can self-assemble into flower-shaped structures upon the irradiation of
MW and UV. Whereas, MW/UV/US synergetic heating results in mixed morphologies of flower-like
and needle-shaped structures.
Conclusion:
The growth of DyPO4 nanostructures can be tuned by selecting the combination of heating
method of MW, US and UV.
