Synthesis of SiO2/Y2O3:Eu core-shell materials and hollow spheres

The SiO2/Y2O3:Eu core-shell materials and hollow spheres were first synthesized by a template-mediated method. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the broadened diffraction peaks result from nanocrystals of Y2O3:Eu shells and hollow spheres. X-ray photoelectron spectra showed that the Y2O3:Eu shells are linked with silica cores by Si–O–Y chemical bond. SEM and TEM observations showed that the size of SiO2/Y2O3:Eu core-shell structure is in the range of 140–180 nm, and the thickness of Y2O3:Eu hollow spherical shell is about 20–40 nm. The photoluminescence spectra of SiO2/Y2O3:Eu core-shell materials and Y2O3:Eu hollow spheres have better red luminescent properties, and the broadened emission bands came from the size effects of nanocrystals composed of Y2O3:Eu shell.