Preparation and characterization of luminescent cellulose–Y4Si2O7N2:Ce4+ hybrid hydrogels

Novel luminescent bio-based hydrogels comprising cellulose and Y 4 Si 2 O 7 N 2 :Ce 4+ (YC) were prepared in an alkali/urea aqueous system using epichlorohydrin as a cross-linker. The structure, characteristics and properties of the hydrogels were investigated by various techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy, wideangle X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, etc. The results showed that when the content of YC was less than 0.05 g, the YC particles were tightly embedded in the macro porous of cellulose matrix, which not only supplied cavities for YC immobilization, but also supplied the pore wall to protect the structure and character of YC. Hence, the cellulose–YC hybrid hydrogels exhibited strong cyan fluorescence under a UV lamp. However, excess of YC particles were enshrouded in the cellulose matrix resulted in smaller pores, weaker fluorescence intensity, lower swelling ratio and higher mechanical properties.