Effect of titanium dioxide and gadolinium dopants on photocatalytic behavior for acriflavine dye

Herein,we report the experimental methodology to optimize the operational parameters of the photocatalytic degradation of acriflavine dye using TiO_2 and Gd~(3+) as dopant.A series of Gd~(3+) doped TiO_2 nanoparticles were synthesized via hydrothermal route and characterized using various techniques like FT-IR,UV,XRD,FESEM and EDS.It is observed that synthesized particles are in the range of 25-30 nm with spherical shape in nature.TiO_2 has rutile phase and the average particle size was estimated from Scherrer's equation.Energy bandgap was estimated using Tauc's plot.The photodegradation was carried out under UV light in pseudofirst order condition.To understand the kinetics,four experimental parameters were chosen as independent variables like percentage of dopant,initial concentration of dye,dosage of catalyst and pH of reaction medium.The degradation efficiency of 92% was observed for 0.5%Gd doped TiO_2 at catalyst dosage of 0.3 g/dm~3,pH 10 and dye concentration of 3×10~(-6) mol/dm~3.It is observed that,the photocatalytic activity of TiO_2 can be increased by using gadolinium as dopant only in optimum concentration.Further,this photocatalyst can be employed to degrade other o rganic pollutants.     

Cerium and carbon-sulfur codoped mesoporous TiO2 nanocomposites for boosting visible light photocatalytic activity

Ce and C-S codoped mesoporous TiO₂ nanocomposites were synthesized via a sol-gel method integrated with an evaporation-induced self-assembly approach.The basic physicochemical characteristics of the synthetic samples were analyzed via a series of characterization techniques.The results reveal that C-S and Ce codoping on mesoporous TiO₂ enhances the photocatalytic activity owing to the synergistic effect caused by narrowing the band gap,enhancing adsorption,trapping and tran...     

Synthesis,Characterization and Photocatalytic Studies of La,Dy-doped ZnO nanoparticles

Rare earth La Dy co-doped ZnO nanoparticles (Zn_0.98La_0.01Dy_0.01O, Zn_0.96La_0.02Dy_0.02O, Zn_0.94La_0.03Dy_0.03O, and Zn_0.92La_0.04Dy_0.04O) were synthesized by co-precipitation method at temperature of 500 °C for 2 h in air. The synthesized samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), FE-SEM/EDS and UV–Visible spectrophotometer. The prepared nanoparticles exhibit a hexagonal wurtzite structure as observed from XRD measurements. It was observed that the La Dy co- doped ZnO nanoparticles (Zn_0.98La_0.01Dy_0.01O, Zn_0.96La_0.02Dy_0.02O, Zn_0.94La_0.03Dy_0.03O, and Zn_0.92La_0.04Dy_0.04O) exhibit higher optical absorbance spectrum at 400 nm to 800 nm wavelength due to its smaller crystal size (12.2 nm) as compared to the un- doped ZnO nanoparticles (253.1 nm). The photocatalytic activity of rare earth La Dy co- doped ZnO nanoparticles were studied by performing the decomposition of methylene blue dye solution under UV light irradiation within 0–4 h. The methylene blue dye solution was considerably photodegraded by Zn_0.92La_0.04Dy_0.04O photocatalyst under UV light irradiation within 2–4 h to the efficiency of 96 %. The pseudo first order rate constant of the degradation was found to be 0.0264 S^?1. The degradation mechanisms are discussed in this work.     

Synthesis,characteristics, and antibacterial activity of a rare-earth samarium/silver/titanium dioxide inorganic nanomaterials

An inorganic nanomaterials combination of Sm, Ag, and TiO2 was synthesized using supercritical fluid drying （SCFD） combined with solgel techniques. The structure, photocatalysis and bacteriostatic activity of the materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XRPS）, photocatalytic performance, and antibacterial activity experiments. The XRD results showed that the average particle diameter of Sm/Ag/TiO2 was 14.62 nm and Ag and Sm ions were dispersed on the surface of TiO2 in a highly dispersed, amorphous form. The TEM image showed that the size of the particle was 12 nm using the scherer formula. The XPS result showed that the element Sm was doped and Ag was loaded inorganic nanomaterials successfully. Sm/Ag/TiO2 exhibited optimal photocatalytic properties at 600 oC, the photocatalytic optimal proportion of Sm/Ag/TiO2 was 2：2：100. When the molar ratio was 2：2：100, the bacteriostatic circle diameter was 16 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, the minimum bacteriostatic concentration was 200μg/mL for white beads coccus, and the minimum bactericidal concentration was 2×10^4μg/mL for white beads coccus. The SEM results showed that the antibacterial material attached to the candida albicans cell surface, cells appeared fold deformation. Therefore the inorganic nanomaterials Sm/Ag/TiO2 had high temperature resistance, good photocatalytic and antibacterial characteristics in visible light.     

Upconversion multicolor tuning of NaY(WO4)2:Tb3+ with Eu3+ doping

A series of Tb~(3+) and Eu~(3+) co-doped NaY(WO_4)_2 phosphors were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions.The crystal structure,morphology,upconversion luminescent properties,the energy transfer from Tb~(3+) to Eu~(3+)ions and the ~5 D_4→ ~7 F_5 transition of the Tb~(3+) ion in NaY(WO_4)_2:Tb~(3+),Eu~(3+) phosphors were investigated in details.The results indicate that all the synthesized samples are of pure tetragonal phase NaY(WO_4)2.Furthermore,the micrometer-sized needle spheres and excellent dispersion of the particles are obtained by adding polyethylene glycol(PEG-2000) as the surfactant.Phosphors of NaY(WO_4)_2:Tb~(3+),Eu~(3+) exhibit the492 nm blue emission peak,546 nm green emission peak,595 nm orange emission peak and 616 nm red emission peak under 790 nm excitation.The energy transfer from Tb~(3+) to Eu~(3+) is a resonant transfer,in which electric dipole-dipole interaction plays a leading role.By adjusting the doping concentration of Eu~(3+) in NaY(WO_4)_2: 1.0 mol%Tb~(3+),xmol%Eu~(3+) phosphors,the emitting color of UC phosphors can be tuned from green to red.     

Luminescence properties of calcium tungstate activated by lanthanide(Ⅲ) ions

Calcium tungstate phosphors activated by the Ln3+ ions(Ln=Pr, Nd, Tb, Yb) were synthesized by a traditional high-temperature solid-state method. The crystal structures and morphologies of the products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray powders diffraction(XRD) and infrared spectra(FT-IR). The samples were found to show luminescence properties(down-conversion, DC, at excitation wavelength 254 nm and up-conversion, UC, at excitation wavelength 980 nm). CaWO4 doped with Tb3+/Yb3+ showed green DC and UC luminescence characteristic of Tb(III) ion in the range of 470–660 nm, corresponding to the 5D4→7F6,5,4,3,2 electronic transition. CaWO4 doped with Pr3+/Yb3+ showed week blue, green and red(DC and UC) luminescence of Pr(III) ion, in the wavelength region of 450–700 nm. Emission peaks were ascribed to the 3P1→3H4,5,6, 3P0→3H4,5,6, 3P1→3F2 and 3P0→3F2 transitions, respectively. CaWO4 doped with Nd3+/Yb3+ phosphor emitted orange UC luminescence at 450–690 nm(2P3/2→4I15/2, 4G7/2→4I9/2,11/2,13/2) and strong near-infrared UC luminescence at 720–900 nm(4F7/2+4S3/2→4I9/2, 4F5/2+2H3/2→4I9/2, 4F3/2→4I9/2) which is the characteristic of Nd(III) ion.     

Synthesis of monodisperse erbium aluminum garnet （EAG） nanoparticles via a microwave method

Uniform Er3Al5O12 spheres are of great value for fabricating optical ceramics. The highly monodisperse and size-controllable erbium aluminum garnet (EAG) precursors for transparent ceramics were successfully synthesized through a new microwave process. The precursors constituted of ultrafine particles joining together by a hydroxyls formed compact network structure in the absence of SO42-, however, the morphologies of the precursors exhibited spheres with trace amount of SO42-. With manipulated programming of microwave irradiation parameters, narrow distributed particles of 40-50 nm were finally obtained by a separation of nucleation and nanocrystal growth. The mechanism behind the influence of microwave irradiation parameters on the growth of EAG precursors was preliminarily analysed. Easily dispersible and pure phase EAG were obtained at 950 ℃. The as-prepared EAG powders were used to fabricate transparent ceramics and transparent polycrystalline EAG ceramics were obtained under hydrogen furnace at 1750 ℃ for 8 h.     

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 over Sm-doped TiO2 nanoparticles

Highly efficient photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ is essential for solving the greenhouse effect and energy crisis. In this paper, the Sm-TiO₂ nanocomposites were successfully prepared via sol-gel method. The CO₂ photoreduction activities of synthesized samples were tested under irradiation for 6 h and the results indicate that the 0.5% Sm-TiO₂ catalyst has superior performance and stability. The CO and CH₄ yields of 0.5% Sm-TiO₂ catalyst are 55.47 and 3.82 μmol/g·cat respectively, which are 5.02 and 2.67 times the yield of TiO₂. The possible mechanism of Sm doped TiO₂ was investigated through comprehensive characterization and photoelectrochemical analysis. After the Sm doping, the photo-generated electrons in TiO₂ could migrate to Sm 4f, and some of them can be captured by reducing Sm³⁺ to Sm²⁺, which can lower the recombination rate of electron and hole pairs. Therefore, the enhanced photocatalytic performance could be ascribed to large specific surface area, fast separation rate of electron–hole pairs and high visible light response. This report provides some meaningful attempts in researching the CO₂ photocatalytic reduction.     

High thermal stability and blue-violet emitting phosphor CaYAlO4:Ti4+ with enhanced emission by Ca2+ vacancies

Blue-violet light can not only enhance the total content of biomass and glucoside but also enrich the taste of the fruit. Thus, it is meaningful to study the blue-violet luminescent materials for plant cultivation. In this study, titanium (IV) -activated CaYAlO₄ (CYAO) phosphors were synthesized by conventional high-temperature solid–state reaction. X-ray powder diffraction was employed to analyze the crystal-structure of CYAO. It is found that the doped Ti⁴⁺ ions do not change obviously the crystal structure of phosphors. Upon 246 nm excitation, CaYAl_1-xO₄:xTi⁴⁺ phosphors exhibit broad blue-violet emission band peaking at 395 nm, which can be attributed to the charge transfer of Ti⁴⁺–O^2–. Moreover, this phosphor exhibits strong thermal stability. The luminescence emission intensity at 150 °C maintained about 91 mol% of its initial value at room temperature. Additionally, the electron transition process and concentration quenching mechanism of CaYAl_1–xO₄:xTi⁴⁺ are discussed in detail. The excellent luminescent properties indicate that CaYAl_1-xO₄:xTi⁴⁺ phosphor may have promising application in indoor plant cultivation.     

Luminescent characterization of rare earth Dy3+ ion doped TiO2 prepared by simple chemical co-precipitation method

Pure and rare-earth ion (Dy³⁺) doped TiO₂ nanomaterials were prepared through a chemical co-precipitation method. The chemical composition, microstructure and optical properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). XPS analysis reveals that Dy³⁺ ions are preferentially occupied in the TiO₂ crystallite lattices. Both the XRD and TEM analyses confirm that both the pure and Dy doped TiO₂ are in pure anatase phase and in nano size range, respectively. Also it is found that the maximum solubility limit for Dy³⁺ ions is found to be 0.4% in TiO₂ matrix, above which it occupies interstitials and/or crystallite surface of TiO₂ nanocrystals. From the UV-Vis spectroscopy studies it is found that Dy doping induces blue shift in TiO₂. From the PL analysis it is found that doping Dy³⁺ improves the luminescence behavior in comparison with the pure TiO₂ nanoparticles. Overall, doping very low concentrations of Dy³⁺ greatly alters the structural morphology and directly increases the luminescence behavior of TiO₂ suitable for advanced optoelectronic applications.     

One pot synthesis of TiO2:Eu3+ hierarchical structures as a highly specific luminescent sensing probe for the visualization of latent fingerprints

In the present work, TiO₂:Eu³⁺ (1 mol%–11 mol%) nano powders (NPs) were prepared via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method by using Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) as bio-surfactant. The optimized TiO₂:Eu³⁺ (5 mol%) NPs can be used as fluorescent labeling agent for visualizing of latent fingerprints (LFPs) on various porous and non-porous surfaces. The obtained results exhibit well defined ridge details with high sensitivity, selectivity, and low background hindrance which show greater advantages as compared to conventional powders. We demonstrated the viability of high-performance security labels thorough excellent luminescence for practical anti-mimetic applications. Morphology of the prepared samples is highly dependent on pH, concentration of the bio-surfactant, temperature and time durations. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra exhibit intense red emission at ～ 615 nm due to electric dipole transition (⁵D₀→⁷F₂). Photometric (CIE and CCT) results clearly show the intense warm red emission of the optimized samples. Therefore, this work offers a superior and universal luminescent label, which can be applied to visualize miniature LFPs particulars for individualization and consequently display great prospective in forensic investigation.     

Electronic properties and photodegradation ability of Nd-TiO2 for phenol

In this study, the photocatalytic activity of Nd-TiO₂ photocatalysts obtained by common hydrothermal method was evaluated by practical experiments and theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption–desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) to study their physical/chemical properties. At the same time, the photoelectronic performance was also investigated. The photodegradation ability of as-prepared photocatalysts and the effect of Nd doped amount and photocatalysts dosage were investigated by the photodegradation of phenol (30 mg/L) under 400 W metal halide lamp (UV–Vis). The effect of Nd on electronic properties of TiO₂ and adsorption ability of phenol were discussed. Results show the red-shift wavelength of 0.5 mol%Nd-TiO₂, indicating that its absorption capacity is stronger than pristine TiO₂ in the same wavelength range. The result of DFT calculations demonstrates that the optical bandgap of Nd-TiO₂ is profoundly reduced, thus the light absorption ability is promoted, which will be responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic performance of Nd-TiO₂. 0.5 mol% Nd is an optimum value for photodegradation phenol, and phenol can be completely degraded by 0.5 mol%Nd-TiO₂ for 210 min, the higher catalytic performance is derived from the efficient separation of e^–/h⁺ pairs. Moreover, the adsorption energy calculations of phenol on TiO₂ (101) and Nd-TiO₂ (101) demonstrate that the Nd doping can significantly enhance the adsorption ability of phenol on catalyst surfaces because of the formation of Nd–O bonds. At last, the stability measurement through four recycles exhibits that 0.5 mol%Nd-TiO₂ possesses excellent stability.     

Structural and photoluminescence studies of Eu3+ doped zinc oxide nanorods prepared by precipitation method

Trivalent europium doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Eu3+) nanocrystals were synthesized via room temperature chemical co-precipitation and they were systematically characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The as-synthesized samples were found to have hexagonal wurtzite coexisted with the intermediate Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O phase, while the single hexagonal phase was facilitated due to the calcinations. The as obtained samples were broadly composed of nanoflakes while the highly crystalline nanorods were formed due to low temperature annealing of the as-synthesized samples. The crystallite size of the nanoflakes and nanorods (40-90 nm) were extracted from the XRD pattern which was found to be consistent with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. The photolumi-nescence (PL) spectra of nanophosphors showed bright red and orange emissions at 618 and 594 nm respectively with efficient broad blue green emission spectrum due to ZnO lattice. Further, a good energy transfer process from ZnO host to Eu3+ was observed in PL emission and excitation spectra of Eu3+ doped ZnO ions. In all, the present nanophosphors were found to have great potentiality for bio-applications.     

Effect of different doping elements on performance of Ce-Mn/TiO2 catalyst for low temperature denitration

Sm and Ho were doped in Ce-Mn/TiO₂ catalyst respectively to enhance its denitration performance at low temperature.X-ray diffraction(XRD),N₂ adsorption-desorption,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),NH₃-temperature programmed desorption(NH₃-TPD),H₂-temperature programmed reduction(H₂-TPR) and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy(DRIFTS) techniques were used to analyze the structure and performance ...     

Synthesis of NaYF4:20% Yb3+,2% Er3+,2% Ce3+@NaYF4 nanorods and their size dependent uptake efficiency under flow condition

Lanthanide doped fluorescent nanoparticles have gained considerable attention in biomedical applications. However, the low uptake efficiency of nanoparticles by cells has limited their applications. In this work, we demonstrate how the uptake efficiency is affected by the size of nanoparticles under flow conditions. Using the same size NaYF₄:20% Yb³⁺,2% Er³⁺,2% Ce³⁺ (the contents of rare earths elements are in molar fraction) nanoparticles as core, NaYF₄:20% Yb³⁺,2% Er³⁺,2% Ce³⁺@NaYF₄ core–shell structured nanorods (NRs) with different sizes of 60–224 nm were synthesized by thermal decomposition and hot injection method. Under excitation at 980 nm, a strong upconversion green emission (541 nm, ²H_11/2 → ⁴I_15/2 of Er³⁺) is observed for all samples. The emission intensity for each size nanorod was calibrated and is found to depend on the width of NRs. Under flow conditions, the nanorods with 96 nm show a maximum uptake efficiency by endothelial cells. This work demonstrates the importance of optimizing the size for improving the uptake efficiency of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles.     

Optical properties and Judd–Ofelt analysis of Nd2O3 nanocrystals embedded in polymethyl methacrylate

PMMA matrices were doped with nano-crystalline neodymium oxides synthesized by thermal decomposition process. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements were carried out to investigate the structure, phase, and the morphology of the Nd_2O_3 nanocrystals and those embedded in the PMMA matrix. The average grain sizes were estimated 35 ± 6 nm and 46 ± 4 nm for non-annealed and annealed Nd_2O_3 particles, respectively. The grain size distributions(GSD) were calculated from the diffraction peaks of the annealed and non-annealed Nd_2O_3 powders and doped PMMA samples. The mass density, refractive index. UV-Visible absorption spectra were measured and the data were analyzed using the Judd-Ofelt approach to determine the oscillator strengths, the spontaneous emission probabilities and the branching ratios as a function of the nano-crystalline Nd_2O_3 content in the range of 0.1 wt.%-20 wt.% of MMA. Luminescence spectra upon 808 nm diode laser excitation were carried out in the wavelength range of 850-1550 nm at room temperature. The photoluminescence study has shown that the reasonably sharp emission peaks were observed upon heat treatment at 800 ℃ for 24 h for all concentrations of Nd_2O_3 nanopowders in PMMA. The infrared laser transition of Nd~(3+) ions at about 1.06 μm due to the ~4F_(3/2)→~4I_(11/2) transition was analyzed and discussed in Nd_2O_3 system for their possible applications in the photonic technology.     

A comparative study of physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of visible light responsive Fe,Gd and P single and tri-doped TiO2 nanomaterials

High performance Fe-Gd-P tri-doped TiO_2 nanoparticles(1 at% for each dopant) were successfully synthesized by a modified sol-gel method. Various analytical and spectroscopic techniques were carried out to determine the physicochemical properties of the prepared samples, including XRD, EDX, FESEM,BET, FTIR, XPS, PL, EIS and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of prepared samples were evaluated by photo degradation of methyl orange(MO) and 4-chlorophenol(4-CP) as model pollutants under visible light irradiation. Effects of each dopant on different properties of TiO_2 nanoparticles were investigated. Results show that Gd and P doping enhances TiO2 surface textural properties by forming Ti-O-Gd and Ti-O-P bonds. It is found that Gd plays a superior role in increasing oxygen vacancies and organic species on TiO_2 surface. Gd doping also facilitates transferring of the photo-induced charge carriers to the surface adsorbed species. The enhanced electronic band structure and visible light response, as well as high electron lifetime of Fe-Gd-P tri-doped sample is mainly attributed to Fe and Gd doping. The tri-doped TiO_2 with rate constant of k_(app)= 1.28 × 10~(-2) min~(-1) for MO and k_(app) = 0.94 × 10~(-2) min~(-1) for 4-CP, shows the highest photodegradation rate among all samples including undoped and single doped samples. The improved photocatalytic performance of Fe-Gd-P tridoped TiO_2 is due to the synergistic effect of enhanced surface chemistry and textural properties,increased number of surface adsorbed hydroxyl groups and organic species, improved visible light absorption, increased lifetime of the photo-induced electron/hole pairs and boosted interfacial charge transfer.     

Preparation and Characterization of Red Luminescent Ca0.8 Zn0.2 TiO3 ： Pr3 ＋ , Na^＋ Nanophosphor

Nanophosphor with the nominal composition of Ca0.8 Zn0.2 TiO3 ： Pr3 ＋ , Na^＋ （CZTOPN） was synthesized at relatively low temperature by the sol-gel method. Metal ions were dispersed by citric acid in ethylene glycol solvent and then react with Ti（OC4H9）4 to form sol and gel. The decomposition process of the precursor, and crystallization and particle size of CZTOPN were examined by thermal analysis （TG-DSC）, powder X-ray diffraction （XRD）, and scan election microscopy （SEM）. Results of TG-DSC and XRD reveal that the composition of Ca0.8 Zn0.2 TiO3 ： Pr3 ＋ , Na^＋ changes with the sintering temperature. SEM data indicate that the diameter of particles is under 50 nm even if the sintering temperature increases to 1000 ℃. In contrast to a solid state reaction, the excitation spectra of samples synthesized by the sol-gel method shift blue about 10 nm and the emission intensity at 617 nm increases significantly.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activities of Nd-doped TiO_2 under visible light using a facile sol-gel method

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles modified with neodymium in the range of 1 mol% to 5 mol% were prepared with template-free sol-gel method.The structures of obtained samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction analysis.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.The photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples was evaluated by photodegradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution under ultraviolet-visible(λ 350 nm) and visible(λ 420 nm) irradiation.The experimental results show that the 1 mol% Nd-doped TiO_2 exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity,of which the degradation can reach to 96.5% under visible irradiation.According to the XRD results,the pristine samples are combined with anatase TiO_2 and rutile TiO_2.while the Nd-doped TiO_2 samples are anatase TiO_2 only.This transformation has made an obvious promotion of photocatalyst activity after modification.     

Synthesis of Ba2CaZn2Si6O17:Eu2+ Phosphors: Synthesis,Microstructure and Luminescence Characteristics

In this investigation, Ba₂CaZn₂Si₆O₁₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor (BCZSOE) was successfully synthesized through the facile solid-state approach. Accordingly, spherical/commercial SiO₂ particles were used through synthesizing BCZSOE phosphors. The crystal structure and microstructure of the produced phosphors were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) instruments, while the luminescence properties of BCZSOE materials were analyzed by a photoluminescence (PL) analyzer. It was interestingly found that the use of spherical silica resulted in an uniform grain size distribution of BCZSOE phosphor in the range of 120–180 nm. In addition, the HRTEM images showed that the soaking time within the solid-state procedure was one of the most important parameters for the successful synthesis of BCZSOE compound. The luminescence emission spectra revealed that the use of silica spheres gave rise to the enhanced emission intensity than that of commercial silica particles. In addition, it was concluded that the emission bands at the wavelengths of 447 and 505 nm were due to the substitution of Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺ by Eu²⁺ ions, respectively.