“One-Stone–Two-Birds” Modulation for Na₃ScF₆‑Based Novel Nanocrystals: Simultaneous Morphology Evolution and Luminescence Tuning

Control over the morphology, size, and crystallographic phase of nanocrystals (NCs) through impurity doping is central to the realization of their unprecedented or improved properties. Herein we present the “one-stone–two-birds” modulation including simultaneous modification of the morphology and tuning of the luminescence for Na₃ScF₆ based NCs via a simple doping strategy. Ce³⁺/Tb³⁺ codoped Na₃ScF₆ NCs with monoclinic structure and hexagonal nanoplate or nanorod morphology were obtained through a modified solvothermal method. The formation of monodisperse Na₃ScF₆-based NCs with diverse architectures closely correlates with the doping level of Tb³⁺. On the basis of the experimental results, the possible growth mechanism for nanoparticles is proposed. Under UV light excitation, Na₃ScF₆:Ce³⁺/Tb³⁺ samples exhibited characteristic emissions from both Ce³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions. By proper variation of the amount of Tb³⁺ doping while maintaining Ce³⁺ concentration, the emission color tuned from blue to green accompanied by the shape evolution from hexagonal nanoplate to short nanorod. Furthermore, the higher quantum yield from the current nanostructures compared with those of a LaPO₄-based nanophosphor indicated that this scandium-containing sample is a promising green emission phosphor candidate for lighting and display applications