Nanocomposites based on opal matrices and silica sols doped with rare earth compounds

Ordered 3D composites based on opal matrices and silica sols doped with rare earth elements have been prepared using colloidal chemistry methods. A uniform distribution of rare earth elements (which is important for avoiding luminescence concentration quenching) was achieved by means of repeated filling of the opal matrix interstitial space with silica sols doped with salts or oxides of rare earth elements. Trace amounts (10–30 ppm) of europium in a composite were shown to strongly affect optical properties of the material.