Synthesis and photolysis of NaYF4@SiO2@TiO2 core–shell nanocomposites

Monodisperse β-NaYF4 nanocrystals were synthesized with oleic acid as capping ligands by solvothermal method, and then, SiO2 and TiO2 were coated successively. Intense ultraviolet light is emitted from NaYF4:Yb/Tm under the 980 nm laser and the intensity of ultraviolet light reduce dramatically after these nanocrystals were coated with SiO2 and TiO2 shells, which means NaYF4@SiO2@TiO2 core–shell nanocomposites can be used to realize the infared photocatalysis. Photocatalytic activity of these nanocomposites is demonstrated using methyl orange (MO) as a chemical probe under the 980 nm laser excitation.