Synthesis and luminescence properties of Eu(III)-doped nanoporous silica spheres

► Luminescent Eu3+-doped nanoporous silica spheres were synthesized. ► Ordered nanopores were preserved with the doping to show the efficient luminescence. ► O−Si−O and Si−OH skeletons in the framework were rearranged with the doping. ► Eu3+ ions were located in a low symmetry of the structures. ► Structural O atoms prevent the aggregation among Eu3+ ions.