Water-soluble Ce3+ and Tb3+ co-doped LaF3 nanoparticles with surfaces functionalized by a layer of polyethylenimine (PEI) were synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal method. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein was conjugated with LaF3:Ce, Tb nanoparticles via free amino groups on the surfaces of the nanocrystals. The final products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. XRD results showed that pure hexagonal phase LaF3:Ce, Tb nanoparticles could be obtained via a PEI assisted hydrothermal process at 180 degrees C for 24 h. The FE-SEM results showed that the morphology of pure LaF3:Ce, Tb nanoparticles was spherical with an average diameter of -20 nm. The UV spectra showed that BSA had been conjugated with LaF3:Ce, Tb nanoparticles. The photoluminescent (PL) properties of LaF3:Ce, Tb nanoparticles were also studied. The strong green emission of Tb3+ in LaF3:Ce, Tb nanoparticles suggests that these nanoparticles may have potential applications for labels in biological imaging and immunoassays.
