cript The starting materials used in these studies are analytical grade. Metal salts: Y(NO3)3, Eu(NO3)3 were prepared by reactions of lanthanide oxide and nitric acid. Titanium (IV) isopropoxide Ti[O(C3H7)]4 (TTIP) and Si(OCH3)4 (TMOS) were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich. Methanol and hydrochloric acid were used as received. Bi-distilled water was used.cript The starting materials used in these studies are analytical grade. Metal salts: Y(NO3)3, Eu(NO3)3 were prepared by reactions of lanthanide oxide and nitric acid. Titanium (IV) isopropoxide Ti[O(C3H7)]4 (TTIP) and Si(OCH3)4 (TMOS) were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich. Methanol and hydrochloric acid were used as received. Bi-distilled water was used.