Synthesis and characterization of monodispersed SiO2/Y2O3:Eu3+ core–shell submicrospheres

Monodispersed SiO2/Y2O3:Eu3+ core–shell submicrospheres were prepared through a simply homogeneous precipitation method. SEM, TEM, and Zetasizer analysis indicated the regular microstructures and uniform size distributions of obtained submicrospheres. FTIR spectra showed that the Y2O3:Eu3+ shell had linked to the silica surface by forming a Si–O–Y bond. XRD patterns characterized the crystal structures of deposited Y2O3:Eu3+ shell after heat treatment. Photoluminescence studies showed that the thickness of Y2O3:Eu3+ shell had greatly affected the luminescent property of coated particles.