A simple approach for the synthesis of bifunctional Fe3O4@Gd2O3:Eu3+ core-shell nanocomposites

Bifunctional magnetic-luminescent Fe3O4@Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanoparticles with core-shell structures have been successfully fabricated using a simple, green, and efficient hydrothermal method. These materials were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. The results showed that the spinel of the Fe3O4 cores was uniformly coated with Gd2O3:Eu3+ layers. The inner Fe3O4 cores and the outer Gd2O3:Eu3+ layers yielded composites that combine magnetic-responsive and luminescent properties, thus, nanoparticles of the composite may find potential applications in drug targeting, bioseparation, and diagnostic analysis. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.