LAUSR

Abstract A number of different morphologies of rhabdophane-type GdPO4·nH2O particles were synthesized via hydrothermal route with presence of tartaric acid as a coordinating/capping agent. Nanorods, hexagonal nanoprisms and nanospheres of different sizes were obtained. An impact of P O 4 3 − /Gd3+ molar ratio, Gd3+ absolute concentration, pH and duration of synthesis on the phase composition, particle morphology and colloidal stability in water was investigated. These synthesis parameters greatly influenced the particle size and morphology. It turned out that the best way to control the particle shape and size is to change the P O 4 3 − /Gd3+ ratio in the reaction mixture. The measured zeta potential values showed that the stability range of GdPO4·nH2O nanoparticles in aqueous solutions are influenced by the shape of particles; therefore, the appropriate GdPO4·nH2O nanoparticles could be synthesized for the desired applications.