A facile method for preparation of lanthanide-doped titania-coated silica nanoparticles

Here, we report a facile method for the preparation of monodisperse lanthanide-doped titania-coated silica nanoparticles. By hydrolysis of titanium alkoxide precursors in the presence of lanthanide ions, titania coatings have been deposited on the surface of the silica nanoparticles dispersed in the pure ethanol. Lanthanide ions were directly incorporated into the coating during the coating process. For a given ratio of titanium alkoxide to water, the density of the doped ions is determined by the concentration of the lanthanide ions in the reactant mixture. The final particles were nanosized, discrete, and exhibiting luminescence when excited.