A cost-effective quantum yield measurement setup for upconverting nanoparticles

• Published in: Journal of luminescence 2017-09, Vol.189, p.64-70
• Main Authors: Balabhadra, S., Debasu, M.L., Brites, C.D.S., Ferreira, R.A.S., Carlos, L.D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Emission quantum yield; Integrating sphere; SrF2:Yb3+/Er3+ colloidal suspension; Upconverting nanoparticles
• ISSN: 0022-2313; 1872-7883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2017.03.054

Generally, emission quantum yield values of upconverting nanoparticles are not reported, despite its importance for characterizing the material's performance, because the measurements require quite expensive setups (a single photomultiplier operating in a broad spectral regions from the visible to the near-infrared) and laborious procedures (spectral mismatch correction when two photomultipliers are used). Here we describe the implementation of a simple and cost-effective quantum yield measurement setup using a commercial integrating sphere-based spectrometer operating in the visible spectral range and a power meter to determine the incident number of photons. First, we validate the experimental methodology using well-known down-shifting standard phosphors (sodium salicylate and perylene). Then, we use the developed setup in an illustrative example of upconverting nanoparticles, SrF2:Yb3+/Er3+(20/2%), to quantify their emission quantum yield values in powder (0.0057±0.0002 at 388Wcm−2) and water suspension (0.0028±0.0001 at 395Wcm−2). •We have developed a simple and cost-effective setup using an integrating sphere-based spectrometer operating in the visible.•The methodology is validated for well-known down-shifting standard phosphors and the values found are in excellent agreement with those of the literature.•The method is validated for well-known down-shifting standard phosphors and the values found agree with the literature.•The setup enables the quantum yield measurement of upconverting nanoparticles.•First time measurements of the emission quantum yield of SrF2:Yb3+/Er3+(20/2%) upconverting nanoparticles in powder and in water suspension.•First time emission quantum yield measurements of SrF2:Yb3+/Er3+(20/2%) nanoparticles in powder and in water suspension.