Eu-doped silica nanotubes: Synthesis and optical properties

Silver nanowires were coated with a silica shell through an indirect approach. Incorporation of the fluorescent ion into the silica shell in situ was achieved. Subsequent chemical dissolution of the inner metal core resulted in fluorescent silica nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDAX), fluorescence spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the materials.