Synthesis of triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion nanocapsules under protective conditions

Triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) nanocapsules are synthesized under oxygen-protective conditions (i.e., complete darkness and argon atmosphere) by free-radical miniemulsion polymerization. These conditions help to exclude the oxidation of the emitter molecules caused by singlet oxygen, generated during the synthesis at daylight conditions and oxygen-rich environment. Subsequently, keeping all the other experimental conditions the same, samples synthesized at protective conditions demonstrate substantially increased UC efficiency. These experimental facts strongly support the hypothesis that posterior removing of oxygen from TTA-UC nanocapsules is not sufficient to obtain reproducible and sustainable UC results. The schematic representation shows the influence of sunlight on the formation of singlet oxygen and its effect on the triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion process.