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Synthesis of Core-shell Lanthanide-doped Upconversion Nanocrystals for Cellular Applications
Published on: November 10, 2017
Upconversion of rare Earth nanomaterials
Ling-Dong Sun1, Hao Dong, Pei-Zhi Zhang
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Materials Chemistry and Applications, PKU-HKU Joint Laboratory in Rare Earth Materials and Bioinorganic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; email: sun@pku.edu.cn , yan@pku.edu.cn.
Rare earth nanomaterials enable photon upconversion through unique energy transfer. This review explores their synthesis, energy pathways, and diverse optical applications in fields like bioimaging and photovoltaics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Rare earth nanomaterials possess long-lived energy levels and intraconfigurational 4f-4f transitions.
- These properties make them excellent candidates for photon upconversion processes.
- Photon upconversion nanomaterials have diverse applications in bioimaging, theranostics, and photovoltaics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in photon upconversion using rare earth nanomaterials.
- To discuss energy transfer models and synthesis strategies for controlling nanomaterial properties.
- To highlight engineered energy transfer pathways and emerging optical applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of energy transfer models relevant to upconversion emissions.
- Analysis of established synthesis strategies for rare earth upconversion nanomaterials.
- Discussion of progress in engineering energy transfer pathways.
Main Results:
- Rare earth nanomaterials are effective for photon upconversion.
- Synthesis methods allow control over size and shape.
- Engineered energy transfer pathways significantly influence upconversion efficiency.
- Diverse optical applications are being explored.
Conclusions:
- This review provides insights into rare earth upconversion nanomaterials.
- It aims to inspire research into novel materials and expanded optical applications.
- Understanding energy transfer is crucial for optimizing upconversion performance.
