Preparation and photoluminescence characteristics of Tb-, Sm- and Dy-doped Y2O3 nanofibers by electrospinning

► Fabricate Y2O3:RE fibers by the calcination of electrospun PVA/Y(NO3)3/RE(NO3)3 composite nanofibers. ► Prepared Y2O3:RE nanofibers display more intensive photoluminescence performance than the bulk materials. ► Propose a solid-solid growth mechanism for the formation of inorganic crystalline fibers via calciation.