Effect of plasma etching on photoluminescence of SnOx/Sn nanoparticles deposited on DOPC lipid membrane

► A monolayer of oxide-covered Sn nanoparticles was fabricated using a lipid membrane. ► Enhanced photoluminescence from the SnOx/Sn monolayer was observed by plasma etching. ► The enhancement stemmed from the removal of the surface lipid layer and additional defect states. ► Photoluminescence enhancement can be also induced by hydration of the nanoparticles.