Plasmon-Driven Rapid In Situ Formation of Luminescence Single Crystal Nanoparticle

Single crystal nanomaterials are very important for the fundamental investigation and application of luminescence. However, a very critical growth condition or high temperature treatment is always required for their preparation. Here, an easy and rapid in situ achievement of a single crystal luminescent material is realized by taking advantage of plasmon-induced thermal and catalysis effects. With the assistance of localized surface plasmon resonance of Au nanoparticles, polycrystalline NaYF₄ transforms to single crystal Y₂ O₃ in tens of milliseconds, resulting in remarkable improvement of luminescence emission. It is important to point out that the single crystal transformation is also achieved even at a very low temperature, which is impossible with conventional approaches. Such a convenient and efficient plasmon assisted scheme provides a new technology for the rapid achievement of single crystal materials and extends the application of surface plasmon to a much broader field.