Abstract
Tb-doped Y2O3 microspheres (MSs) were prepared via a homogeneous thermal degradation process at a low temperature and then coated with a nanosilica shell (Y2O3:Tb@SiO2) using a sol-gel process. The core MSs were highly crystalline and spherical with a porous surface, single cubic phase, and particle size of 100–250 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images clearly showed the spherical shape of the as-prepared core MSs, which were fully covered with a thick and mesoporous nanosilica shell. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra displayed the well-resolved infrared absorption peaks of silica (SiO, SiOSi, etc.), confirming the presence of the silica surface coating. The core MSs retained their spherical shape even after heat treatment and subsequent silica surface coating. It was observed that the core/shell MSs are easily dispersible in aqueous media and form a semi-transparent colloidal solution. Ultraviolet/visible and zeta potential studies were tested to prove the changes in the surface chemistry of the as-designed core/shell MSs and compare with their core counterpart. The growth of the amorphous silica shell not only increased the particle size but also enhanced remarkably the solubility and colloidal stability of the MSs in aqueous media. The strongest emission lines originating from the characteristic intra-shell 4f-4f electronic transitions of Tb ions were quenched after silica layer deposition, but the MSs still showed strong green (5D4 → 7F5 at 530–560 nm as most dominant) emission efficiency, which indicates great potential in fluorescent bio-probes. The emission intensity is discussed in relation to the quenching mechanism induced by surface silanol (Si-OH) groups, particle size, and surface charge.
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•Facile thermal decomposition method for the synthesis of large-scale, spherical shaped and porous Y2O3 microspheres•Highly aqueous dispersible Y2O3:Tb@SiO2 microspheres.•Role of amorphous silica surface coating on their solubility, colloidal stability and luminescent properties.•High luminescence efficiencies even after silica surface modifications are highly desirable for photonic based biomedical applications.