Synthesis, characterization, and spectroscopy of NaGdF4:: Ce3+, Tb3+/NaYF4 core/shell nanoparticles

Cerium- and terbium-doped NaGdF4 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized with monodisperse particle sizes and uniform shapes. The cubic NaGdF4 NCs are colloidally stable in nonpolar organic solvents and exhibit green luminescence under mercury lamp excitation. Core/shell NPs were also synthesized as a way of increasing the luminescence efficiencies of the NPs.