Preparation of integrated multifunction Pb3B10O16[OH]4 whisker by solvothermal method

Elaborate design of multifunction materials is of great scientific and technological significance; but it is a great challenge. Here, a lead borate is successfully prepared via a facile solvothermal method. The results of XRD, SEM and TEM show the product is a kind of whiskers with uniform structure and high length-diameter ratio, which is represented as Pb3B10O16[OH](4). The whisker is capable of attenuating both gamma-rays and neutrons and shows a little difference with that of the equal molar mass of Pb and B in mixture. In addition, the whisker displays good photoluminescence properties, especially for luminescent intensity. These significant results indicate an integrated multifunction whisker that will stimulate new application research. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.