Eu2O3-functionalized ZnO/palygorskite†
Abstract
Eu2O3-functionalized ZnO/palygorskite was synthesized in a two-step method, and was thoroughly characterized. Energy was transferred from Eu2O3 to ZnO, but not from ZnO to Eu2O3, in contrast to literature reports. The interaction between Eu2O3 and ZnO directly influenced the energy transfer process. Eu2O3 was sporadically loaded on the ZnO surface, rather than doped in the ZnO crystal lattice as Eu3+ or assembled as a Eu2O3–ZnO core–shell structure as is usually reported.