Template Synthesis of Monodisperse Spherical Nanocomposite SiO2/GaN:Eu3+ Particles

Abstract

A nanocomposite in the form of monodisperse spherical mesoporous silica particles (mSiO₂) filled with GaN:Eu³⁺ is synthesized by the template method. The method is based on the capillary impregnation of pores of mSiO₂ particles with a melt of crystal hydrates of gallium and europium (0.22 wt %) nitrates, followed by thermal decomposition and ammonia treatment. It is shown that nanocomposite particles contain hexagonal GaN:Eu³⁺, are of spherical shape, monodisperse and do not coalesce with each other. The photoluminescence spectra of the mSiO₂/GaN:Eu³⁺ particles show a group of lines characteristic of intracenter transitions in Eu³⁺.