Nano-sized Y2O3:Eu3+ hollow spheres with enhanced photoluminescence properties

Nano-sized Y2O3:Eu3+ hollow spheres were fabricated via a facile strategy including preparation of the hollow precursor and a later calcination. Moreover, the growth process of these hollow spheres was monitored by time-dependent experiments and their luminescence properties were also intensively studied. The products exhibit strong red emitting at 613 nm under ultraviolet excitation and control experiments were carried out to optimize the synthetic conditions. It was found 850 °C calcination with 9 mol% doping level could give out the best photoluminescence performance. Moreover, a possible mechanism for the enhanced PL performance was also proposed based on the FT-IR investigation.

Research highlights
► This method is simple and with well reproducibility. Moreover it expels the usage of template in constructing the hollow structure.
► The nano-sized hollow spheres are supposed to possess higher surface area and smaller density which is essential for it enhanced PL properties. In addition, it could cut down the usage of expensive rare earth element for lower producing cost.
► Compared with previously reported the doping level of this hollow material is elevated without quenching, which benefits its luminescence performance.