Preparation and photoluminescence characteristics of In(OH)3:xTb3+ obtained by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal method

► We report the preparation by Microwave-Hydrothermal method of In(OH)3:xTb3+. ► Nanostructures were obtained at a low temperature. ► The crystallite size decreased with terbium doping level. ► The nucleation–dissolution–recrystallization mechanism is promoted by processing. ► This material is a highly promising candidate for photoluminescent applications. Crystalline terbium-doped indium hydroxide structures were prepared by a rapid and efficient Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal (MAH) method. Nanostructures were obtained at a low temperature. FE-SEM images confirm that these samples are composed of 3D nanostructures. XRD, optical diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence (PL) measurements were used to characterize the products. Emission spectra of terbium-doped indium hydroxide (In(OH)3:xTb3+) samples under excitation (350.7nm) presented broad band emission referent to the indium hydroxide matrix and 5D4→7F6, 5D4→7F5, 5D4→7F4, and 5D4→7F3 terbium transitions at 495, 550, 590 and 627nm, respectively. Relative intensities of the Tb3+ emissions increased as the concentration of this ion increased from 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8mol%, of Tb3+, but the luminescence is drastically quenched for the In(OH)3 matrix.