Preparation and Characterization of Fe3O4@Gd2O3:Eu3+ Bi-functional Magnetic and Luminescent Composite Particles

Fe3O4@Gd2O3:Eu3+ magnetic and luminescent bi-functional composite particles with core-shell structure were fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method, the structure and properties were characterized. XRD patterns show that the cubic phase Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanocrystals are coated on the surface of Fe3O4 particles after calcined at 700 degrees C. TEM images indicate that the obtained composites have obvious core-shell structure and perfect spherical morphology, the diameter of the Fe3O4 core is 200 similar to 300 nm and the size of the Fe3O4@Gd2O3:Eu3+ composites is about 225 similar to 350 nm, the shell thickness of Gd2O3:Eu3+ ranges from 25 to 50 mn. Compared with Fe3O4 core, the size of the coated particles is larger and the surface becomes smoother. Electron diffraction pattern indicates that the sample is polycrystalline. The photoluminescence spectra and the magnetic properties indicate that the core-shell structrual composites have red emitting light and magnetism, which would be potentially applied in biology and medicine fields.