Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of Monodisperse Spherical SiO<sub>2</sub>@Lu<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>: Eu<sup>3+</sup> Particles with Core-Shell Structure

Abstract

Spherical submicron SiO2 particles have been coated with luminescent Lu2O3: Eu3+ layers by a Pechini sol-gel process, resulting in the formation of SiO2@Lu2O3: Eu3+ core-shell particles(300, 500 nm). The obtained core–shell phosphors have perfect spherical shape with narrow size distribution, smooth surface and non-agglomeration. The thickness of shells could be easily controlled by changing the number of deposition cycles (50 nm for four deposition cycles). Under the excitation of ultraviolet, the Eu3+ ion mainly shows its characteristic emissions in the core-shell particles from Lu2O3: Eu3+) shells. The PL intensity of Eu3+ increases with the number of coating cycles.