Abstract
Sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) was used as an intercalation agent and an excellent antenna to synthesize layered rare-earth hydroxide (LRH) materials and directly obtain SSA-modified terbium-doped ytterbium hydroxide nanosheets by mechanical exfoliation. The crystal structure and morphologies of the LRHs and nanosheets were determined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The particle size and zeta potential of the prepared nanosheets were also analyzed. The as-prepared nanosheets exhibited excellent luminescent properties. The positively charged nanosheets were electrophoretically deposited on a conductive glass to form a thin film. The luminescence of this thin film can be quenched by chromate (CrO42–) and bilirubin (BR), which shows good sensing properties. The quenching mechanism of the sensing film by CrO42– and BR was discussed based on the spectra and structure of the film.