  Europium-doped lutetium-oxide (Eu:Lu2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized using
a combustion technique and a co-precipitation technique, and their properties
were compared. Surface-modification utilizing small silane molecules and long
chain polymers were explored to de-agglomerate and disperse the particles.
Structural, morphological and optical properties were characterized with x-ray
diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and laser
spectroscopy respectively to evaluate these materials. The luminescent
behaviors were compared between the pristine and modified Eu:Lu2O3
nanoparticles to study the influence of surface ligands on emission properties.
Subsequently, the Eu:Lu2O3 nanoparticles were placed on top of a thin film
consisting of silver nanoparticles and combined with silver nanoparticles and
dispersed in a polymer matrix. The presence of the silver nanoparticles led to
a reduction of the fluorescence lifetime of 12-14%.
