A Kinetic Isotope Effect in the Formation of Lanthanide Phosphate Nanocrystals.

ABSTRACT: Mechanisms of nucleation and growth of crystals are still attracting a great deal of interest, in particular with recent advances in experimental techniques aimed at studying such phenomena. Studies of kinetic isotope effects in various reactions have been useful for elucidating reaction mechanisms, and it is believed that the same may apply for crystal formation kinetics. In this work, we present a kinetic study of the formation of europium-doped terbium phosphate nanocrystals under acidic conditions, including a strong H/D isotope effect. The nanocrystal growth process could be quantitatively followed through monitoring of the europium luminescence intensity. Hence, such lanthanide-based nanocrystals may serve as unique model systems for studying crystal nucleation and growth mechanisms.

SUBMITTER: Schwartz G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9189826 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature