Biocompatible NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles: Colloidal stability and optical properties

Currently, highly luminescent colloidal upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have expanded an increasing interest of researchers because of their facilitating lability in the biomedical/clinical field. In this study, NaYF₄:Yb,Er UCNPs are prepared by eco-friendly metal complexation-based thermal decomposition method at a lower temperature in aqueous media. The phase structure, crystallinity, phase purity, morphology, colloidal dispersibility, surface structure, surface charge, and optical and luminescent properties were evaluated carefully by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV/visible and photoluminescent spectroscopic techniques. XRD pattern shows a pure single-phase cubic structure with an average grain size of 30–35 nm. TEM and SEM micrographs exhibited irregularly shaped spherical morphologies, porous surface structures highly aggregated UCNPs with the narrow-size distribution. Positive zeta potential has shown value signifying high absorption in the visible region which indicates particle's good colloidal stability in aqueous media. Under NIR-laser light excitation, the UCNPs emit strong UC emission transitions in the visible region. A broad infrared absorption peak of hydroxyl groups (–OH) in FTIR spectrum and mass loss at a lower temperature in TGA verified the surface functionality of UCNPs, with high colloidal stability, and excellent biocompatibility in aqueous media. In terms of their surface characteristics and high luminescent properties, the NaYF₄:Yb,Er UCNPs could be interestingly applied in tagging of biomolecules, drug delivery, proteins labeling, and therapeutic and thermostats applications.     

Synthesis,characterization, and in vitro toxicity evaluation of upconversion luminescence NaLuF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ nanoparticles suitable for medical applications

Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro toxicity evaluation of upconversion luminescence NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ nanoparticles (UCLNPs) are reported in the current study. Initially, the synthesized lanthanide trifluoroacetate (Ln(OOCCF₃)₃) precursor was used to fabricate NaLuF₄ nanoparticles doped with Yb³⁺ and Tm³⁺ metal ions. The nanoparticles were coated with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) after removing the hydrophobic species on them to enhance their biocompatibility. The in vitro methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) test was used to evaluate the toxicity of synthesized NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ nanoparticles (NLF-5) on L929 mouse fibroblast cell lines. The transmission electron microscopy image showed that the particle size of NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ was 32 nm. The synthesized NLF-5 nanoparticles have both α-cubic and β-hexagonal crystalline structures that provided a superb near-infrared-to-near-infrared upconversion luminescence signal when excited at 980 nm. MTT test results show that the death of L929 fibroblast cells was observed only at concentrations above 250 μg/mL of NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ nanoparticles. In addition, with an increase in patrol time of 24, 48, and 72 hr, cell toxicity increased significantly, while the coated nanoparticles did not have any toxic effects. The synthesized nanoparticles could be used as a suitable material for medical applications due to their small particle size, high photoluminescence emission intensity, and low toxicity.     

Synthesis and characterization of nanoporous NaYF4:Yb3+, Tm3+@SiO2 nanocomposites

Novel upconversion nanocomposites with nanoporous structure were presented in this paper. Silica-coated cubic NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ nanoparticles were first prepared. After annealing, monodisperse cubic/hexagonal mixed phases NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺@SiO₂ nanoparticles were obtained, and the NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ cores became nanoporous. To the best of our knowledge, the nanoporous structure in NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺@SiO₂ nanocomposites was observed for the first time. They demonstrate increased upconversion emission compared with unannealed dense NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ nanoparticles due to the appearance of the hexagonal NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺. The silica shell not only makes the nanocomposites possess bio-affinity but also protects the NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ cores from aggregating and growing up. Thus the upconversion, nanoporous and bio-affinity properties were combined into one single nanoparticle. The nanocomposites have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD) and emission spectroscopy. These multifunctional nanocomposites are expected to find applications in biological fields, such as biolabels, drug storage and delivery.     

Facile patterning of upconversion NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles

Different kinds of highly ordered patterns of NaYF(4):Yb,Er nanoparticles on gold substrates were fabricated using a simple method combining micro-contact printing and "breath figures" techniques. Ordered arrays of water droplets were first formed in the hydrophilic regions of patterned self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). This was subsequently submerged in a chloroform solution of NaYF(4):Yb,Er nanoparticles. The particles were spontaneously assembled at the interface of chloroform/water droplet surface, leading to different kinds of uniform patterns after solvent evaporation. The structures of NaYF(4):Yb,Er particles patterns depended on the dimension of the substrate, the concentration of the NaYF(4):Yb,Er nanoparticles and the water condensation process.     

Optical parameters and upconversion fluorescence in Tm3+/Yb3+-doped alkali-barium-bismuth-tellurite glasses

Tm(3+)/Yb(3+)-doped alkali-barium-bismuth-tellurite (LKBBT) glasses have been fabricated and characterized. Density, refractive index, optical absorption, absorption and emission cross-sections of Yb(3+), Judd-Ofelt parameters and spontaneous transition probabilities of Tm(3+) have been measured and calculated, respectively. Intense blue three-photon upconversion fluorescence and near-infrared two-photon upconversion fluorescence were investigated under the excitation of a 980 nm diode laser at room temperature. Wide infrared transmission window, high refractive index and strong blue three-photon upconversion emission of Tm(3+) indicate that Tm(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped LKBBT glasses are promising upconversion optical and laser materials.     

Investigation on the upconversion luminescence of Sr3AlO4F:Yb3+, Er3+, Ho3+ phosphors

To develop new emission-tunable upconversion (UC) phosphors, the Sr₃AlO₄F:5%Yb³⁺, xEr³⁺, yHo³⁺ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1%, 0 ≤ y ≤ 1%) samples were prepared by conversional solid-state reaction method, and their luminescence properties upon 980 nm excitation were studied. Upon 980 nm excitation, Yb³⁺-Er³⁺ codoped Sr₃AlO₄F shows a predominant emission peak between 645 and 700 nm which is attributed to the ⁴F_9/2-⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺, and the Er³⁺ green emissions have been almost quenched. In this case, the yellowish green emitting light is obtained. The possible reason was interpreted by the energy level diagram and the proposed UC mechanism. For Yb³⁺-Ho³⁺ codoped Sr₃AlO₄F, three emissions are observed obviously which are all derived from the Ho³⁺ ion. The corresponding chromaticity coordinates indicate a red emission has been gained. To realize the tunable emission, the typical Sr₃AlO₄F:5%Yb³⁺, 0.2%Er³⁺, 1%Ho³⁺ phosphor was developed, and its emission spectrum includes the emission peaks of both Er³⁺ and Ho³⁺. Correspondingly, the sample gives a yellow emission.     

Size-dependent upconversion luminescence in YF3:Yb/Tm nanobundles

The upconversion luminescent properties of YF₃:Yb³⁺(20%)/Tm³⁺(1%) nanobundles with different sizes (240-500 nm in length) were studied under 980-nm excitation. Ultraviolet (¹I₆ → ³F₄/³H₆ and ¹D₂ → ³H₆), blue (¹D₂ → ³F₄ and ¹G₄ → ³H₆), red (¹D₂ → ³H₄, ¹G₄ → ³F₄, and ³F₃ → ³H₆), and near infrared (³H₄ → ³H₆) emissions were observed. The results indicated that the relative intensity of the ultraviolet to the blue as well as the blue to the near infrared increased with decreasing the size of nanobundles. Especially, the position of the dominant red emission peak varied with the size of nanobundles. As the length of nanobundles increased to 500 nm, unusual ³F₃ → ³H₆ transition was observed, which was theoretically explained considering the decrease of the nonradiative transition rate of ³F₃ → ³H₄.     

Yb3+、Tm3+共掺上转材料的发光性能

yb3+;tm3+;共掺杂;上转换材料;光谱     

Multiplexed near-infrared in vivo imaging complementarily using quantum dots and upconverting NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ nanoparticles

A new multiplexed NIR in vivo imaging is showcased by using quantum dots and NaYF(4):Yb(3+),Tm(3+) nanoparticles. The 'temporal' multiplexing is demonstrated by alternating the excitation wavelengths and unmixing the emissions of different probes. Multiplexed cellular imaging and the cellular trafficking in animal models are shown.     

Microwave-assisted Solvothermal Synthesis of YF3 ： Yb^3＋, Tm^3＋ Nanobundles

Recently, considerable attention has been paid to the synthesis and research of various rare-earth （RE） doped fluoride nanomaterials because of their high refractive index and appropriate phonon energy, which have potential applications in optics, optoelectronics, microelectronics, and tribology. Many methods have been utilized to synthesize the nanomaterials of RE doped fluorides with controllable sizes, shapes, and nanostructures. Comparatively, the microwave irradiation （MWI） method is simple, fast, and unique in its potential for large-scale synthesis without suffering thermal gradient effects.     

Defects in Tm^3＋／Yb3＋—doped YVO4 Crystals

<正>The microscopic defects have been investigated for crystal Tm3+/Yb3+:YVO4. These defects mainly include the inclusions (solid inclusions, bubbles and inclusions of the liquid phase), dendrites and growth stripes. They are caused by in-pure raw materials, unstable growth conditions, super-cooling component and so on. Tm3+/Yb3+:YVO4 crystals of large size and excellent optical quality are grown by improving the growth conditions to eliminate these defects.     

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.     

不同形貌Er,Yb共掺六方NaYF4的合成及上转换发光特性研究

利用水热法成功合成了不同形貌的稀土掺杂六方NaY0.95Yb0.03Er0.02F4,包括柱状、粒状、片状、管状等.通过XRD,SEM,TEM对合成样品的物相结构及晶粒形态进行了表征,探讨络合剂EDTA用量;表面活性剂CTAB,P123,十二烷基苯磺酸钠;热溶剂水、乙二醇、聚乙二醇对晶体生长方向的影响,并对不同形态样品进行上转换发光性能测试,分析晶粒形态对上转换发光强度与寿命的影响,结果显示晶粒越小发光强度越强,相当粒径的管状样品的发光强度比粒状的强,不同晶粒形态上转换的主要能量传递模式也不相同.研究结果可以指导我们可控合成适应实际应用需求的晶粒形态及优良上转换发光性能的材料.     

Synthesis of colloidal upconverting NaYF4 nanocrystals doped with Er3+, Yb3+ and Tm3+, Yb3+ via thermal decomposition of lanthanide trifluoroacetate precursors

Upconverting lanthanide-doped nanocrystals were synthesized via the thermal decomposition of trifluoroacetate precursors in a mixture of oleic acid and octadecene. This method provides highly luminescent nanoparticles through a simple one-pot technique with only one preparatory step. The Er3+, Yb3+ and Tm3+, Yb3+ doped cubic NaYF4 nanocrystals are colloidally stable in nonpolar organic solvents and exhibit green/red and blue upconversion luminescence, respectively, under 977 nm laser excitation with low power densities.     

Lanthanide upconversion nanoparticles and applications in bioassays and bioimaging: A review

Through the process of photon upconversion, trivalent lanthanide doped nanocrystals convert long-wavelength excitation radiation in the infrared or near infrared region to higher energy emission radiation from ultraviolet to infrared. Such materials offer potential for numerous advantages in analytical applications in comparison to molecular fluorophores and quantum dots. The use of IR radiation as an excitation source reduces autofluorescence and scattering of excitation radiation, which leads to a reduction of background in optical experiments. The upconverting nanocrystals offer excellent photostability and are composed of materials that are not particularly toxic to biological organisms. Excitation at long wavelengths also minimizes damage to biological materials. In this review, the different mechanisms responsible for the upconversion process, and methods that are used to synthesize and decorate upconverting nanoparticles are presented to indicate how absorption and emission can be tuned. Examples of recent applications of upconverting nanoparticles in bioassays for the detection of proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites and metal ions offer indications of analytical advantages in the development of methods of analysis. Examples include multi-color and multi-modal imaging, and the use of upconverting nanoparticles in theranostics.     

Synthesis,properties and mechanism of photodegradation of core–shell structured upconversion luminescent NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@BiOCl

Microspherical bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) can only utilize ultraviolet (UV) light to promote photocatalytic reactions. To overcome this limitation, a uniform and thin BiOCl nanosheet was synthesized with a particle size of about 200 nm. As results of UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy showed, the band gap of this nanostructure was reduced to 2.78 eV, indicating that the BiOCl nanosheet could absorb and utilize visible light. Furthermore, the upconversion material NaYF₄ doped with rare earth ions Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺ emitted visible light at 410 nm following excitation with near‐infrared (NIR) light (980 nm), which could be utilized by BiOCl to produce a photocatalytic reaction. To produce a high‐efficiency photocatalyst (NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺@BiOCl), BiOCl‐loaded NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ was successfully synthesized via a simple two‐step hydrothermal method. The as‐synthesized material was confirmed using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as other characterizations. The removal ratio of methylene blue by NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺@BiOCl was much higher than that of BiOCl alone. Recycling experiments verified the stability of NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺@BiOCl, which demonstrated excellent adsorption, strong visible‐light absorption and high electron–hole separation efficiency. Such properties are expected to be useful in practical applications, and a further understanding of the NIR‐light‐responsive photocatalytic mechanism of this new catalytic material would be conducive to improving its structural design and function.     

Solvent directed morphologies and enhanced luminescent properties of BaWO4:Tm3+,Dy3+ for white light emitting diodes

A series of Tm³⁺ and Dy³⁺ codoped BaWO₄ phosphors with tunable shapes were controllably synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The effects of ratio of ethylene glycol (EG) and water on the morphologies of BaWO₄ structures are systematically studied. It was discovered that the reason for these morphological changes is based on the reaction speed of the kinetic control, which relates to the strong chelating abilities of ethylene glycol. And when the solvent is pure ethylene glycol, the peanut-like BaWO₄:Dy³⁺ has the strongest emission intensity. Moreover, the emission color of the phosphors varied from blue (0.232, 0.180) to white (0.268, 0.250) by controlling Dy³⁺ ions content with a fixed Tm³⁺ concentration. The energy transfer mechanism was investigated in detail. With increasing the doped concentration of Dy³⁺ ions, the energy transfer efficiency of BaWO₄:0.005Tm³⁺,yDy³⁺ increased gradually and reached as high as 63% when the Dy³⁺ doped concentration is 0.03. The critical distance R_C calculated by the spectral overlap method is about 19.93 Å, and it is in good agreement with that obtained using the concentration quenching method (19.70 Å), indicating that the electric dipole-dipole interaction is the main energy transfer mechanism for BaWO₄:Tm³⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphors.     

Preferential suppression of high-energy upconverted emissions of Tm3+ by Dy3+ ions in Tm3+/Dy3+/Yb3+-doped LiYF4 colloidal nanocrystals

The intensity of high energy UV and blue upconverted emissions of Tm(3+) ions in Tm(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped LiYF(4) colloidal nanocrystals was selectively reduced compared to the NIR emission at 802 nm. This was achieved by doping a small amount of Dy(3+) ions into the host matrix.     

Hf4+共掺NaYF4:Yb/Tm提高上转换发光性能研究

利用X射线多晶衍射仪、场发射扫描电镜、场发射透射电镜、X射线光电子能谱和荧光光谱仪对相近半径离子Hf⁴⁺和Zr⁴⁺共掺六方NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺的结构、形貌和上转换发光性能进行研究.结果表明Hf⁴⁺和Zr⁴⁺离子共掺六方NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺可有效调控晶场的不对称性, Hf⁴⁺相对于Zr⁴⁺是个更好的掺杂离子,它在调控晶场的同时还参与Tm³⁺离子上转换发光的能量传递过程,明显提高了短波500 nm以下发射带的荧光强度;而Zr⁴⁺离子仅扮演晶场调控角色而未能参与稀土离子Tm³⁺的上转换发光过程, Tm³⁺离子小于500 nm短波发射带的荧光强度没有得到明显的提高,仅提高802 nm发射带的荧光强度.该研究发现Hf⁴⁺可作为蓄能离子参与稀土离子的上转换发光过程,有助于将Hf⁴⁺作为蓄能离子和晶格操纵工具用于设计和制备其它高性能的稀土上转换发光材料.     

Intense upconversion luminescence and effect of local environment for Tm3+/Yb3+ co-doped novel TeO2-BiCl3 glass system

We present the results of a study that uses theoretical and experimental methods to investigate the characteristics of the upconversion luminescence of Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped TeO2-BiCl3 glass system as a function of the BiCl3 fraction. These glasses are potentially important in the design of upconversion fiber lasers. Effect of local environment around Tm3+ on upconversion fluorescence intensity was analyzed by theoretical calculations. The structure and spectroscopic properties were investigated in the experiments by measuring the Raman spectra, IR transmission spectra, and absorption and fluorescence intensities at room temperature. The results indicate that blue luminescence quantum efficiency increases with increasing BiCl3 content from 10 to 60 mol%, which were interpreted by the increase of asymmetry of glass structure, decrease of phonon energy and removing of OH- groups.