Controlling the structure and morphology of zinc borate by adjusting the reaction temperature and pH value: formation mechanisms and luminescent properties

Abstract

Controlling the structure and morphology of micro/nanomaterials precisely enables us to manipulate their properties as desired. Therefore, understanding the complex growth mechanisms of micro/nanomaterials, and regulating and controlling their structure, morphology and related luminescent properties, are the focuses of chemistry and materials science. In this study, we hydrothermally synthesized three zinc borates with different structures and compositions, Zn(H₂O)B₂O₄·0.12H₂O, Zn₂(OH)BO₃, and H[Zn₆O₂(BO₃)₃], by adjusting the reaction temperature, and further prepared zinc borate, Zn(H₂O)B₂O₄·0.12H₂O, with three different morphologies by adjusting the pH of the reaction system. The possible growth mechanisms of these three zinc borate (Zn(H₂O)B₂O₄·0.12H₂O) morphologies are illustrated in detail. The luminescent properties of three different Tb³⁺-doped phosphors with different structures and Zn(H₂O)B₂O₄·0.12H₂O with three morphologies have also been investigated. Furthermore, the morphology–structure–property relationships have been discussed.