Critical view on luminescence properties of Y2O3:Eu3+ after dispersion in SiO2

► Luminescence intensity of Y2O3:Eu3+ in SiO2 is less than Y2O3:Eu3+ due to association of amorphous silica and Si-O-H at lower heated samples. ► Variation in electric and magnetic dipole intensities for 1100 and 1300° C heated samples is found due to the formation of new triclinic phase −Y2Si2O7. ► Optimization of heat-treatment and role of surrounding medium are important in luminescence.