Upconversion Luminescence in Mononuclear Yb/Sm Co-crystal Assemblies at Room Temperature

Metal-based upconversion luminescence transforming high-energy photons into low-energy photons is an attractive anti-Stokes shift process for fundamental research and promising applications. In this work, we developed the upconversion luminescence in co-crystal assemblies consisting of discrete mononuclear Yb and Sm complexes. The characteristic visible emissions of Sm³⁺ were observed under the excitation of absorption band of Yb³⁺ at 980 nm. A series of co-crystal assemblies were investigated based on mononuclear Yb and Sm complexes, and the strongest luminescence was obtained when the molar concentration between Yb³⁺ and Sm³⁺ is equivalent. The crystal structure was fully characterized by the single crystal X-ray diffraction and upconverting energy transfer mechanisms were verified as cooperative sensitization upconversion and energy transfer upconversion. This is the first example of Sm³⁺-based upconverting luminescence in discrete lanthanide complexes which present as co-crystal assemblies at room temperature.     

Upconversion Luminescence through Cooperative and Energy-Transfer Mechanisms in Yb3+-Metal-Organic Frameworks

Lanthanide-doped metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) have versatile luminescence properties, however it is challenging to achieve lanthanide-based upconversion luminescence in these materials. Here, 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) and trivalent Yb³⁺ ions were used to generate crystalline Yb-BTC MOF 1D-microrods with upconversion luminescence under near infrared excitation via cooperative luminescence. Subsequently, the Yb-BTC MOFs were doped with a variety of different lanthanides to evaluate the potential for Yb³⁺-based upconversion and energy transfer. Yb-BTC MOFs doped with Er³⁺, Ho³⁺, Tb³⁺, and Eu³⁺ ions exhibit both the cooperative luminescence from Yb³⁺ and the characteristic emission bands of these ions under 980 nm irradiation. In contrast, only the 497 nm upconversion emission band from Yb³⁺ is observed in the MOFs doped with Tm³⁺, Pr³⁺, Sm³⁺, and Dy³⁺. The effects of different dopants on the efficiency of cooperative luminescence were established and will provide guidance for the exploitation of Ln-MOFs exhibiting upconversion.     

纳米TiO2基质掺杂稀土离子Er3+和Yb3+的上转换发光特性

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了掺杂稀土离子Er3 及Er3 /Yb3 的TiO2纳米晶体,考察了样品在980 nm激发光源作用下,不同的稀土离子掺杂量、不同的焙烧温度、不同的激发温度等对其上转换发光特性的影响,并对Er3 /Yb3 共掺杂的上转换发光机制进行了探讨.     

在硅磷酸镧中Ce^3＋离子对Tb^3＋离子的敏化

实验表明在La2O3·0.01SiO2·0.95P2O5基质中Ce^3 对Tb^3 有强的敏化作用。254nm紫外光激发下温度对Tb^3 激活的Ce^3 、Tb^3 共激活试样的发射强度的Ce^3 、Tb^3 共激活的试样Tb^3 的^5D4→^7F6:5:4跃迁的发射强度随湿度的变化。计算了Ce^3 到Tb^3 的能量传递效率。初步探讨了Ce对Tb的能量传递机理。     

Synthesis and Upconversion Luminescence in LaF3:Yb3+, Ho3+, GdF3: Yb3+, Tm3+ and YF3:Yb3+, Er3+ obtained from Sulfide Precursors

Rare earth fluorides are mainly obtained from aqueous solutions of oxygen‐containing precursors. Probably, this method is simple and efficient, however, oxygen may partially be retained in the fluoride structure. We offer an alternative method: obtaining fluorides and solid solutions based on them from an oxygen‐free precursor. As starting materials, we choose sulfides of rare‐earth elements and solid solutions based on them. The fluorination is carried out by exposure to hydrofluoric acid of various concentrations. The transmission electron microscopy images revealed the different morphologies of the products, which depend on the concentration of the fluorinating component (HF) and the host element. The solid solution particle size varied from 30–35 nm in the case of GdF₃:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ (4 % HF) to larger structures with dimensions exceeding 200 nm, such as that for LaF₃:Yb³⁺, Ho³⁺ (40 % HF). The thermal characteristics, such as the temperatures of the transitions and melting and enthalpies, were determined for the solid solutions and simple fluorides. Applicability of the materials obtained as biological luminescent markers was tested on the example of upconversion luminescence, and good upconversion properties were detected.     

Preparation and Luminescence Behavior of CaSiO3:Eu3+(Bi3+)

CaSiO3:Eu3 0.08Bi3 0.002 with a monoclinic perovskite structure was synthesized by using sol-gel method, and its luminescence characteristics were investigated. From the excitation spectrum, it can be seen that the main peaks located at238, 396, 415, 437 and 359 nm correspond to the charge-transfer band of Eu3 -O2- , the absorption transitions of 7F0,1→5 L6,7F0→5D3,7F1→5D3 of Eu3 ions, and 3P1→1S0 of Bi3 ions, respectively. When the samples were excited with a light of wavelength 359 or 395 nm, it can be seen from the emission spectrum that the electronic dipole transition located at 609 nm corresponding to 5D0 →7F2 of Eu3 ions was stronger than the magnetic dipole transition located at 587 nm corresponding to 5D0→7F1 of Eu3 ions, which shows that more Eu3 ions were located in nonreversion center lattices. The energy transfer from Bi3 ions to Eu3 ions in the phosphor was also discussed. The results show that Eu3 ions could be well sensitized by Bi3 ions, and the energy-transfer pattern between Bi3 ions and Eu3 ions was resonance energy transfer.     

Studies on Upconversion Mechanism of ZrO2 ： Er^3＋, Yb^3＋ Nanocrystals Under Excitation at 488 and 980 nm

Erbium, Ytterbium-codoped ZrO2 nanoparticles(ZrO2:Er^3 ,Yb^3 ) were prepared by the sol-emulsiongel technique. The purpose of the present study is the application of upconversion phosphor in the biological label. In order to make out the mechanism of upconversion under 980 nm excitation the 488 nm pump was used. The influence of temperature on the crystallite phase was studied. The results confirm the upconverted mechanism in ZrO2:Er^3 ,Yb^3 nanocrystals is due to an energy transfer upconversion(ETU).     

Preparation and Luminescence Behavior of CaSiO3：Eu^3＋（Bi^3＋）

CaSiO3：Eu0.08^3＋Bi0.002^3＋ with a monoclinic perovskite structure was synthesized by using sol-gel method, and its luminescence characteristics were investigated. From the excitation spectrum, it can be seen that the main peaks located at 238,396,415,437 and 359 nm correspond to the charge-transfer band of Eu^3＋-O^2- , the absorption transitions of ^7F0.1→^3L6, ^7F0→^5D3, ^7F1→^5D3 of Eu^3＋ ions, and ^3P1→^1S0 of Bi^3＋ ions, respectively. When the samples were excited with a light of wavelength 359 or 395 nm, it can be seen from the emission spectrum that the electronic dipole transition located at 609 nm corresponding to ^5D0→^7F2 of Eu^3＋ ions was stronger than the magnetic dipole transition located at 587 nm corresponding to ^5D0→^7F1 of Eu^3＋ ions, which shows that more Eu^3＋ ions were located in nonreversion center lattices. The energy transfer from Bi^3＋ ions to Eu^3＋ ions in the phosphor was also discussed. The results show that Eu^3＋ ions could be well sensitized by ^3＋ions, and the energy-transfer pattern between Bi^3＋ ions and Eu^3＋ ions was resonance energy transfer.     

Syntheses, characterization and sensitized lanthanide luminescence of heteronuclear Pt-Ln (Ln = Eu, Nd, Yb) complexes with 2,2′-bipyridyl ethynyl ligands

Reaction of [Pt()Cl]⁺ ( = 4,4′,4′′-tri-tert-butyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine) with 5-ethynyl-2,2′-bipyridine (HCCbpy) or 5,5′-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)-2,2′-bipyridine (Me₃SiCCbpyCCSiMe₃) in the presence of cuprous iodide gives [Pt(^tBu₃tpy)(CCbpy)]⁺ (1) or [{Pt()}₂(CCbpyCC)]²⁺ (2) through Pt-acetylide σ-coordination, respectively. Incorporating 1 or 2 with Ln(hfac)₃(H₂O)₂ through 2,2′-bipyridyl chelating the Ln^III (Ln = Nd, Eu, and Yb) centers induces formation of a series of [Pt()(CCbpy){Ln(hfac)₃}]⁺ (PtLn) or [{Pt()}₂(CCbpyCC){Ln(hfac)₃}]²⁺ (Pt₂Ln) complexes, respectively. The structures of binuclear platinum(II) complex 2(PF₆)₂ and heterobinuclear PtNd complex 3(CF₃COO) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both 1 and 2 exhibit typical low-energy absorption bands in near UV-Vis region, ascribed to dπ(Pt) → π^∗() MLCT and π(CCbpy/CCbpyCC) → π^∗() LLCT transitions. Upon formation of the PtLn or PtLn₂ complexes, the low-energy absorption bands are obviously blue-shifted (15-20 nm) compared with those in the Pt^II precursor 1 or 2. With excitation at 350 nm < λ < 550 nm which is the absorption region of MLCT and LLCT transitions, sensitized luminescence that is characteristic of the corresponding lanthanide(III) ions occurs in both PtLn and Pt₂Ln complexes. In contrast, Pt-based luminescence from the MLCT and LLCT states are mostly quenched in these Pt-Ln heteronuclear complexes, revealing that quite effective Pt → Ln energy transfer is operating from the Pt()(acetylide) chromophore to the lanthanide(III) centers.     

Effect of Zn2+ Ions on Upconversion Emission of Er3+ in Zn/Er:LiNbO3 Crystal

The effect of Zn2+ ions codoped on the upconversion emission of Er3+ ions in Er:LiNbO3 crystal under different excitation wavelength was reported.The upconversion emission spectra of Zn/Er:LiNbO3 follo...     

Upconversion Luminescence Properties of a LiNb0.3Ta0.7O3:Er3+,Yb3+ Ceramic

A co-doped LiNb_0.3Ta_0.7O₃:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ ceramic was prepared by a high temperature solid state procedure. Under the excitation of 980 nm laser radiation, intense 660 nm red light and 550 nm green light emissions corresponding to the ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 and ²H_11/2/⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺ were observed. The change of Yb³⁺ concentration has a more significant influence on luminous intensity than the Er³⁺ concentration. The emission of red and green lights is attributed to a two-photon process. The upconversion luminescence mechanisms were analyzed in detail.     

LaF_3∶Yb~(3+),Er~(3+)纳米晶:溶剂热法合成及上转换发光性质

利用溶剂热合成方法,分别以油酸和油胺为表面有机配体,合成了具有六角结构,颗粒尺寸分别为19和23nm单分散的LaF3:Yb3+,Er3+纳米晶。在980nm红外激光照射下,LaF3:Yb3+,Er3+纳米晶发射出肉眼可观察的绿色和红色上转换荧光,而且其发光过程均符合双光子过程。结合红外光谱与上转换光谱分析了表面有机配体对LaF3:Yb3+,Er3+纳米晶上转换发光的影响,结果显示,以油酸分子为表面配体的纳米晶具有较高的上转换发射强度,但以油胺为表面配体的纳米晶的红光发射相对增强。     

稀土离子(La3+, Gd3+, Yb3+)对线粒体产生活性氧的影响

研究了稀土离子对分离的线粒体产生活性氧(ROS)的影响. 采用荧光光度法跟踪线粒体内H2O2生成的动力学, 发现三种稀土离子(La3+, Gd3+, Yb3+)均能降低线粒体H2O2的生成; 用黄嘌呤-黄嘌呤氧化酶体系进一步证明稀土对超氧阴离子(·O-2)存在清除作用, 而对H2O2无清除作用; 测定了稀土对线粒体ROS代谢酶(谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶和超氧化物歧化酶)的活性影响. 结果表明, 三种稀土离子对线粒体谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶的活性基本没有影响, 而Gd3+和Yb3+稀土离子能明显抑制线粒体超氧化物歧化酶的活性.     

Synthesis and Solid‐State,Solution, and Luminescence Properties of Near‐Infrared‐Emitting Neodymium(3+) Complexes Formed with Ligands Derived from Salophen

A series of free ligands, H₂ L ¹ , H₂ L ² , H₂ L ³ , and H₂ L ⁴ , designed for the coordination and sensitization of near‐infrared(NIR)‐emitting Nd³⁺ were synthesized by modifying the salophen Schiff base with different numbers and locations of Br‐substituents. The nature of the Nd³⁺ complexes in solution was determined to be [ML₂]^? by spectrophotometric titrations as an indication that the different substituents do not affect significantly the nature of the formed species. The structures were determined in the solid phase from X‐ray diffraction experiments. The stoichiometries and structures in the solid state are different from those observed in solution. We established that the structures in the solid state can be partially controlled by the crystallization conditions. The ligands L ¹ – L ⁴ have the ability to sensitize Nd³⁺ through intramolecular energy transfer from the ligand to the metal ion. We quantified that the numbers and locations of Br‐substituents control the emitted luminescence intensity of the complex by the heavy‐atom effect.     

在La_2Na_2Sr_6(PO_4)_6Br_2基质中Tb~(3+)的发光及Ce~(3+)对Tb~(3+)的敏化

用高温固相反应法合成了发光材料、研究了Tb~(3+)在La_2Na_2Sr_6(PO_4)_6Br_2基质中的光致发光性质及Ce~(3+)对Tb~(3+)的敏化作用.在254nm紫外光激发下,Tb~(3+)的发光较弱,但Ce~(3+)对Tb~(3+)有强的敏化作用,其能量传递机埋是偶极-偶极相互作用引起的共振能量传递,计算了传递效率。     

Synthesis and surface modification of ultrasmall monodisperse NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ upconversion nanoparticles

The emerging upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) have gained substantial consideration in the field of bioanalytical as well as diagnostic applications. Therefore, great progress has been made in the synthesis and surface modification of luminescent UCNPs over the last two decades. In this paper, we have reported monodispersed and high luminescent upconversion nanoparticles NaYF₄: 20%Yb³⁺, 2%Tm³⁺ have been synthesized using a solvothermal method, followed by a coating of the NaYF₄ shell with a thin layer of SiO₂ on the surface to afford the core-shell NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺@SiO₂ nanoparticles (NP@SiO₂). The prepared nanoparticles were of strong upconversion fluorescent emission intensity, hexagonal phase, and with an average size of about 8 ± 1 nm, which have been characterized by luminescence spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that the NP@SiO₂ can be used for the conjugation of fluorescent probes for various biomolecules and can find applications in cancer cell imaging and disease diagnosis.     

Significant Enhancement of the Upconversion Emission in Highly Er3+-Doped Nanoparticles at Cryogenic Temperatures

Relatively low efficiency is the bottleneck for the application of lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). The high-level doping strategy realized in recent years has not improved the efficiency as much as expected. It is argued that cross relaxation (CR) is not detrimental to upconversion. Here we combine theoretical simulation and spectroscopy to elucidate the role of CR in upconversion process of Er³⁺ highly doped (HD) UCNPs. It is found that if CR is purposively suppressed, upconversion efficiency can be significantly improved. Specifically, we demonstrate experimentally that inhibition of CR by introducing cryogenic environment (40 K) enhances upconversion emission by more than two orders of magnitude. This work not only elucidates the nature of CR and its non-negligible adverse effects, but also provides a new perspective for improving upconversion efficiency. The result can be directly applied to cryogenic imaging and wide range temperature sensing.     

棒状LaF3∶Eu3+纳米晶的制备与发光性能

采用一种简单的液相反应法在室温下合成了棒状的LaF3∶Eu3+纳米晶, 对其结构和发光性能进行了表征. XRD分析结果表明, 室温下即可得到结晶良好的六方晶相的LaF3, 灼烧之后样品的衍射峰增强, 没有杂相产生. TEM照片表明, 棒状LaF3∶Eu3+纳米材料的直径为8 nm左右, 长度达到50 nm. 荧光光谱表明, 室温下合成的棒状LaF3∶Eu3+纳米晶的最强发射峰位于589 nm, 对应于Eu3+的5D0-7F1跃迁发射, 说明Eu3+占据LaF3基质中La3+晶格点的C2对称格位上. 同时Eu3+的猝灭摩尔分数为5%, 荧光寿命随着灼烧温度的升高而延长.     

钇(Ⅲ)、铽(Ⅲ)、铒(Ⅲ)对氨基苯甲酸配合物共掺杂二氧化硅的光声光谱研究

合成了Tb(p-ABA)₃·H₂O和Ln(p-ABA)₃·H₂O(p-ABA: 对氨基苯甲酸, Ln: Y或Er)配合物共掺杂的SiO₂样品. 荧光光谱测定结果表明, Y(p-ABA)₃·H₂O的引入增强了样品中Tb³⁺离子的特征发光, 而Er(p-ABA)₃·H₂O的引入使Tb³⁺的发光减弱. 光声光谱结果表明, 与Tb³⁺配合物单掺的样品相比, Tb³⁺和Y³⁺配合物共掺样品的光声强度降低; 而Tb³⁺和Er³⁺配合物共掺的样品则情况相反. 实验测定了共掺杂样品的相对量子发光效率和发光寿命, 从无辐射跃迁和辐射跃迁的角度提出共发光效应可能的机制. 结合对室温下陈化干燥样品的分析发现, 只有经适当的热处理过程才能在SiO₂凝胶中形成具有多核结构的稀土配合物.