Synthesis and Upconversion Luminescence of Water-Soluble of GdF3:Yb3+/Er3+ Nanoparticles

Water-soluble Yb3+/Er3+ doped GdF3 nanocrystals were prepared using a thermal decomposition synthesis route. The crystal structure, morphology and up-conversion spectra of the samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy and a fluorescence spectrophotometer with single-wavelength diode laser of 980 nm. In Yb3+- and Er3+-codoped GdF3 nanocrystals, the relative intensity of green emission became stronger as the sample changed from water-soluble nanoparticles to hexane-dispersed nanoparticles. The synthesis of such monidisperse, water-soluble, lanthanide-doped upconvertion particles will open new opportunities in targeting and drug delivery applications.