Synthesis and optical properties of environmentally benign and highly uniform NaCe(MoO4)2 based yellow nanopigments

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2018-03, Vol.739, p.542-548
• Main Authors: Laguna, Mariano, Núñez, Nuria O., Fernández, Marcial, Ocaña, Manuel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Light absorption and reflection; Optical properties; Optical spectroscopy; Precipitation; Rare earth alloys and compounds
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2017.12.158

A method for the synthesis of uniform and aggregation free NaCeMoO4 based nanospheroids with tunable size is reported. The procedure is based on a precipitation reaction at 120 °C for 20 h from solutions containing Na2MoO4, sodium citrate and Ce(NO3)3 and different amounts of Y(NO3)3 or Gd(NO3)3. The role played by the later compounds on the formation of the particles and their morphological and structural characteristics is analyzed through the analysis of the mechanism of particle formation. The chromaticity coordinates of the obtained samples are also evaluated showing that the here reported nanoparticles constitute an ecofriendly alternative to more toxic commercial yellow pigments. The synthesized nanoparticles are also free of aggregation in water suspensions and might be suitable for injet-printing technologies. [Display omitted] •Uniform NaCeMoO4 nanopigments have been synthesized by homogeneous precipitation in polyol medium.•Particle size can be tuned in the nanometer range by doping with variable amounts of Y3+ or Gd3+.•The synthesized nanoparticles showed a yellow color with a slight orange hue.•These nanopigments constitute an ecofriendly alternative to more toxic commercial yellow pigments.•The synthesized nanoparticles are free of aggregation and might be suitable for injet-printing.