Recent insights into upconverting nanoparticles: spectroscopy, modeling, and routes to improved luminescence

The development of reliable and reproducible synthetic routes that produce monodisperse lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles has resulted in an appreciable need to determine the mechanisms which govern upconversion luminescence at the nanoscale. New experimental and theoretical evidence expli...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nanoscale 2019-07, Vol.11 (25), p.1215-1229
Main Authors: Tessitore, Gabriella, Mandl, Gabrielle A, Brik, Mikhail G, Park, Wounjhang, Capobianco, John A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Luminescence
Modelling
Nanomaterials
Nanoparticles
Optical properties
Quenching
Surface defects
Upconversion
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Summary:The development of reliable and reproducible synthetic routes that produce monodisperse lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles has resulted in an appreciable need to determine the mechanisms which govern upconversion luminescence at the nanoscale. New experimental and theoretical evidence explicates the quenching phenomena involved in the low luminescence efficiencies. A deeper understanding of the role of surfaces and defects in the quenching mechanisms and the properties of upconverting nanoparticles are of fundamental importance to develop nanomaterials with enhanced luminescence properties. Herein, we summarize the most recent spectroscopic investigations, which have enabled the scientific community to ascertain that the predominant source of quenching involved in the luminescence of lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles can be attributed to surface-defects. Modeling of these mechanisms in nanomaterials supports the experimental findings and yields further insights into the surface phenomena, providing a predictive tool to improve the luminescent efficiencies in nanomaterials. Advances in understanding the mechanisms of luminescence in lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles can guide researchers in developing brighter materials. This review discusses the latest developments in the field and suggests routes to improvements.
ISSN:2040-3364
2040-3372
DOI:10.1039/c9nr02291k