Magnetic, luminescent and core–shell structured Fe3O4@YF3:Ce3+,Tb3+ bifunctional nanocomposites

Bifunctional magnetic–luminescent nanocomposites with Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the cores and YF3:Ce3+,Tb3+ as the shells were synthesized by a facile direct precipitation method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the obtained bifunctional nanocomposites had a core–shell structure, in a spherical shape with a size ranging from 160 to 220 nm, and the shell thickness of about 25 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed that a cubic spinel structure of Fe3O4 core and an orthogonal phase of YF3 shell were obtained. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra confirmed that the nanocomposites displayed a strong green light emission. Magnetic measurements indicated that the obtained bifunctional nanocomposites exhibited a stronger magnetic behavior at room temperature. Therefore, the bifunctional nanocomposites are expected to develop many potential applications in biomedical fields.

The Fe3O4@YF3:Ce3+,Tb3+ nanoparticles have a particle size ranging from 160 to 220 nm and still keep the spherical morphology, non-aggregation and rough surface. The shell shows a gray color with an average thickness of about 25 nm. The as-prepared nanoparticles displayed a strong green light emission and superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Bifunctional magnetic–luminescent nanocomposites with Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the core and YF3:Ce3+,Tb3+ as the shell.
► A cubic spinel structure of Fe3O4 core and an orthogonal phase of YF3 shell.
► The nanocomposites displayed a strong green emission and superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature.