Improved luminescence in water-soluble hollow LaF3:Eu3+ nanoparticles by introducing Li+ ions

Improved red emission in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated hollow LaF3:Eu3+ nanoparticles by introducing Li+ ions was found for the first time via a one-step template-free hydrothermal method. The hollow formation can be attributed to self-recrystallization and a local Ostwald ripening thermodynamic process. Pores were clearly seen and widely distributed in all LaF3 nanoparticles. The introduction of Li+ ions did not introduce new crystalline phases and resulted in little change in size and morphology of the LaF3 nanoparticles. The main diffraction peaks were found to shift slightly with the Li+ doping concentrations, which indicates that Li+ changes the crystal field environment of Eu3+. The excitation and red emission intensity both doubled when codoped with 7 mol% Li+ ions. The widely distributed pores and improved luminescence properties of our nanoparticles facilitated the construction of new nanocomposites for novel biological applications.