Strong red emission and catalytic properties of ZnO by adding Eu2O3 shell

The structural, optical properties and catalytic activity of ZnO@Eu2O3 core-shell nanostructutres have been investigated systematically. Sharp intense red emissions in the range of 580–650 nm due to the intra-4f transition of Eu3+ ions are observed from the sample. It is found that some of the Eu3+ ions are in the Eu2O3-like state located at the surface of ZnO and others are doped into ZnO host. Incorporation of Eu3+ ions into a ZnO host resulted in deterioration in crystal quality and lattice distortion. Adding the Eu2O3 layer increased the number of excited carriers within ZnO, thus enhancing the luminescence and photocatalysis properties. Our findings not only open an avenue for synthesis sophisticated ZnO@Eu2O3 core-shell nanostructutres but also pave a way towards improving red emission and photocatalysis properties in ZnO nanostructures. [Display omitted] •The red emission of ZnO@Eu2O3 increased 25-fold compared with Eu-doped ZnO.•Adding the Eu2O3 layer increased the number of excited carriers within ZnO.•Our findings pave a way towards improving red emission and photocatalysis properties of ZnO.•ZnO@Eu2O3 are hopeful candidates for the solid-state lighting application.