The hydrothermal synthesis and properties of Sm2O(CO3)2·xH2O using g-C3N4 as raw material

A novel 1064 nm laser stealth absorbent of samarium oxide carbonate hydrate (Sm2O(CO3)2·xH2O) nanomaterial has been prepared by hydrothermal treatment of g-C3N4 in Sm(NO3)3 solution. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer. The results showed g-C3N4 was unstable during the hydrothermal process, and it was the carbon source of Sm2O(CO3)2·xH2O. The obtained Sm2O(CO3)2·xH2O particles was about 100 nm in size, changing from spherical to rod with the prolongation of reaction time. The samples showed a narrow absorption peak at 1068 nm, which means they would have application as 1064 nm laser absorbents. The photothermal curves showed Sm2O(CO3)2·xH2O particles can convert the absorbed 1064 nm laser into thermal energy. As the reaction time prolongs, the NIR absorption and photothermal conversion performance increase first and then decreases, the sample obtained at 200 °C for 24 h has the best absorption rate and photothermal conversion performance. [Display omitted] •Sm2O(CO3)2·xH2O was prepared with g-C3N4 as carbon source.•g-C3N4 begins to decompose under hydrothermal treatment for 4 h.•The strongest adsorption peak of Sm2O(CO3)2·xH2O is located at 1068 nm.•Sm2O(CO3)2·xH2O can convert the absorbed 1064 nm laser into thermal energy.