Synthesis of phosphor-free luminescent, monodisperse, mesoporous silica nanoparticles in the co-presence of double- and single-chain cationic surfactants

•Monodisperse mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) with phosphor-free luminescence.•Coexistence system of single- and double-chain cationic surfactants.•Dual roles of double-chain surfactant to form mesopores and luminescence centers.•Stronger luminescence of MSN than that of conventional nonporous silica nanoparticle.