Synthesis and enhanced luminescence properties of CuS@YF3:Eu core–shell nanoparticles

The rare earth luminescent nanoparticles are regarded as one of the most ideal fluorescent probes. In order to solve the problem of insufficient luminescence intensity of rare earth luminescent imaging materials, a new core–shell-structured CuS@YF3:Eu with strong luminescent nanoparticles was successfully prepared. The nanoparticles possessed stronger luminescent property than individually dispersed YF3:Eu nanoparticles that it is attributed to the plasmon-enhanced localized electric fields effect of the interface of CuS and YF3:Eu nanoparticles. This work provides insight on the development of nonmetallic plasmon-sensitized optical materials and to promote their application in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.