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Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Synthesis of Core-shell Lanthanide-doped Upconversion Nanocrystals for Cellular Applications
Published on: November 10, 2017
Energy-Transfer Editing in Lanthanide-Activated Upconversion Nanocrystals: A Toolbox for Emerging Applications
Xian Qin1, Jiahui Xu1, Yiming Wu1
1Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanocrystals offer tunable luminescence for advanced applications. This review covers synthesis, energy transfer mechanisms, and disruptive technologies like super-resolution microscopy and optogenetics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photonics
Background:
- Lanthanide-doped nanocrystals exhibit unique upconversion luminescence from 4f-4f optical transitions.
- These properties are tunable via synthesis, enabling diverse applications.
- Upconversion luminescence requires specific energy transfer pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in lanthanide-doped upconversion nanocrystals.
- To discuss mechanistic studies of energy transfer in upconversion processes.
- To highlight disruptive technologies enabled by these nanomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific and technological discoveries.
- Analysis of energy transfer mechanisms: cross-relaxation, sequential pumping, nanostructural design.
- Focus on applications in microscopy, optogenetics, nanolasing, and anticounterfeiting.
Main Results:
- Programmable control over nanocrystal size, morphology, and composition is achievable.
- Predesigned energy transfer pathways enable characteristic upconversion luminescence.
- Advanced schemes enhance upconversion efficiency and functionality.
Conclusions:
- Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanocrystals are versatile platforms for advanced applications.
- Understanding energy transfer mechanisms is crucial for optimizing performance.
- These nanomaterials are driving innovation in fields like bioimaging and security.
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