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Synthesis of Core-shell Lanthanide-doped Upconversion Nanocrystals for Cellular Applications
Published on: November 10, 2017
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Molecular-based upconversion in homo/heterogeneous liquids and in micro/nanostructured solid materials
L Latterini1, G Massaro, M Penconi
1Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy. fausto.ortica@unipg.it.
Dalton Transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
|May 24, 2018
Summary
Molecular dye pairs like platinum(ii) octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) and tetraphenylpyrene (TPPy) enable efficient radiation upconversion via triplet-triplet annihilation. This study confirms upconversion in diverse media, including confined solid-state materials, for energy applications.
Area of Science:
- Photochemistry and Materials Science
- Energy Conversion and Storage
Background:
- Radiation upconversion is a key strategy for waste reduction in energy harvesting and storage.
- Triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) upconversion using molecular dyes offers versatility but requires thorough photophysical characterization for optimization.
- Developing efficient upconversion systems is crucial for advancing technological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the photophysical properties and upconversion efficiencies of a molecular dye pair (PtOEP/TPPy) in various media.
- To characterize the performance of TTA upconversion in homogeneous solvents, microemulsions, and solid-state materials.
- To explore the feasibility of upconversion in confined and rigid environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a sensitizer (2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethyl-21H,23H-porphyrin platinum(ii), PtOEP) and an emitter (1,3,6,8-tetraphenylpyrene, TPPy) for triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion.
- Evaluated upconversion efficiencies in solvents of varying viscosities and oil-in-water microemulsions.
- Tested upconversion in nanostructured silica matrices and liquid-filled microcapsules.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated and characterized triplet-triplet annihilation based upconversion with the PtOEP/TPPy dye pair.
- Upconversion efficiencies were analyzed across different solvent viscosities and in microemulsion systems.
- Confirmed the possibility of achieving upconversion emission in confined and rigid solid materials, such as silica matrices and microcapsules.
Conclusions:
- The PtOEP/TPPy molecular dye pair is effective for triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion across a range of media.
- Upconversion is feasible even in confined and rigid environments, expanding potential applications.
- This research provides a foundation for designing advanced materials for energy harvesting and storage using upconversion principles.
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