Impact of Lanthanide Nanomaterials on Photonic Devices and Smart Applications

Elucidating the Impact of Rare Earth or Transition Metal Identity on the Physical and Electronic Structural Properties of a Series of Redox-Active Tris(amido) Complexes

The use of redox-active ligands with the f-block elements has been employed to promote unique chemical transformations and explore their unique emergent electronic properties for a myriad of applications. In this study, we report eight new tris(amido) metal complexes: 1-Ln (Ln = Tb3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, Er3+, Tm3+, and Yb3+), 1-La, and 1-Ti (an early transition metal analogue). The one-electron oxidation of the tris(amido) ligand was conducted to generate semi-iminato complexes 2-Ln, 2-La, and 2-Ti, and these complexes were studied using EPR. Tris(amido) complexes 1-Ln, 1-La, and 1-Ti were fully characterized using a range of spectroscopic (NMR and UV-vis/NIR) and physical techniques (X-ray diffraction and cyclic voltammetry, with the exception of 1-La). Computational methods were employed to further elucidate the electronic structures of these complexes. Lastly, complexes 1-Ln, 1-La, and 1-Ti were probed as catalysts for alkyl-alkyl cross-coupling, and the initial rate of the reaction was measured to explore the influence of the metal ion.

Two new rare-earth oxyborates Ba4BiTbO(BO3)4 and Ba1.54Sr2.46BiTbO(BO3)4 and luminescence properties of the Ba4BiTb1-xEuxO(BO3)4 phosphors

Single crystals of two new terbium oxyborates Ba4BiTbO(BO3)4 and Ba1.54Sr2.46BiTbO(BO3)4 were obtained by the high-temperature solution method. They crystallize in the hexagonal P63/mmc group (Z = 2) with lattice parameters of a = 5.41865(9) Å, c = 26.3535(5) Å, V = 670.12(3) Å3 and a = 5.36534(19) Å, c = 26.0661(10) Å, V = 649.83(5) Å3, respectively. Their crystal structures feature two kinds of layers: [Tb(BO3)2]n3n- formed by corner-sharing TbO6 octahedra and BO3 triangles, as well as [Bi(BO3)2O]n5n- consisting of Bi2O13 dimers and BO3 groups, with alkali-earth cations sitting inside and between the layers. In addition, solid solutions of Ba4BiTb1-xEuxO(BO3)4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) were prepared via the solid-state reaction method. The obtained products were characterized by powder XRD, SEM, IR/Raman, XPS, DRS, and luminescence spectroscopy. It was found that as the Eu3+ doped content varies from x = 0 to 0.2, the emission color of the Ba4BiTb1-xEuxO(BO3)4 phosphors can be adjusted from cyan to near-white and then to orange-red or from green to orange and then to red under the excitation of 349 and 377 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the emission intensities and chromaticity coordinates were found to be sensitive to the temperature for the phosphor Ba4BiTb0.999Eu0.001O(BO3)4 upon 377 nm excitation. The above results demonstrate that Ba4BiTb1-xEuxO(BO3)4 phosphors have potential as multifunctional materials for solid-state lighting and temperature sensing applications.

Luminescent Single-Molecule Magnets as Dual Magneto-Optical Molecular Thermometers

Luminescent thermometry allows the remote detection of the temperature and holds great potential in future technological applications in which conventional systems could not operate. Complementary approaches to measuring the temperature aiming to enhance the thermal sensitivity would however represent a decisive step forward. For the first time, we demonstrate the proof-of-concept that luminescence thermometry could be associated with a complementary temperature readout related to a different property. Namely, we propose to take advantage of the temperature dependence of both magnetic (canonical susceptibility and relaxation time) and luminescence features (emission intensity) found in Single-Molecule Magnets (SMM) to develop original dual magneto-optical molecular thermometers to conciliate high-performance SMM and Boltzmann-type luminescence thermometry. We highlight this integrative approach to concurrent luminescent and magnetic thermometry using an air-stable benchmark SMM [Dy(bbpen)Cl] (H2 bbpen=N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N,N'-bis(2-methylpyridyl)ethyl-enediamine)) exhibiting Dy3+ luminescence. The synergy between multiparametric magneto-optical readouts and multiple linear regression makes possible a 10-fold improvement in the relative thermal sensitivity of the thermometer over the whole temperature range, compared with the values obtained with the single optical or magnetic devices.

Nucleation and Growth of Bipyramidal Yb:LiYF4 Nanocrystals-Growing Up in a Hot Environment

Lanthanide-doped LiYF₄ (Ln:YLF) is commonly used for a broad variety of optical applications, such as lasing, photon upconversion and optical refrigeration. When synthesized as nanocrystals (NCs), this material is also of interest for biological applications and fundamental physical studies. Until now, it was unclear how Ln:YLF NCs grow from their ionic precursors into tetragonal NCs with a well-defined, bipyramidal shape and uniform dopant distribution. Here, we study the nucleation and growth of ytterbium-doped LiYF₄ (Yb:YLF), as a template for general Ln:YLF NC syntheses. We show that the formation of bipyramidal Yb:YLF NCs is a multistep process starting with the formation of amorphous Yb:YLF spheres. Over time, these spheres grow via Ostwald ripening and crystallize, resulting in bipyramidal Yb:YLF NCs. We further show that prolonged heating of the NCs results in the degradation of the NCs, observed by the presence of large LiF cubes and small, irregular Yb:YLF NCs. Due to the similarity in chemical nature of all lanthanide ions our work sheds light on the formation stages of Ln:YLF NCs in general.

Gold-Based Coronands as Hosts for M3+ Metal Ions: Ring Size Matters

The controlled, self-assembled synthesis of multinuclear coordination compounds can be performed via different approaches. Frequently, steric, geometric and/or electronic factors located at the ligand systems predefine the way in which metal ions can assemble them to large aggregates. For the compounds in the present paper, also the Pearson's acidities and preferred coordination geometries of the metal ions were used as organization principles. The ligand under study, 2,6-dipicolinoylbis(N,N-diethylthiourea), H₂L1^ethyl, possesses 'soft' sulfur and 'hard' nitrogen and oxygen donors. One-pot reactions of this compound with [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) and M³⁺ salts (M = Sc, Y, La, Ln, Ga, In) give products with gold-based {Au₃(L1^ethyl)₃}³⁺ or {Au₂(L1^ethyl)₂}²⁺ coronands, which host central M³⁺ ions. The formation of such units is templated by the M³⁺ ions and the individual size of the coronand rings is dependent on the ionic radii of the central ions in a way that small ions such as Ga³⁺ form a [Ga⊂{Au₂(L1^ethyl)₂}]⁺ assembly, while larger ions (starting from Sc³⁺/In³⁺) establish neutral [M⊂{Au₃(L1^ethyl)₃}] units with nine-coordinate central ions.

Recent advances of lanthanide nanomaterials in Tumor NIR fluorescence detection and treatment

Lanthanide nanomaterials have garnered significant attention from researchers among the main near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanomaterials due to their excellent chemical and fluorescence stability, narrow emission band, adjustable luminescence color, and long lifetime. In recent years, with the preparation, functional modification, and fluorescence improvement of lanthanide materials, great progress has been made in their application in the biomedical field. This review focuses on the latest progress of lanthanide nanomaterials in tumor diagnosis and treatment, as well as the interaction mechanism between fluorescence and biological tissues. We introduce a set of efficient strategies for improving the fluorescence properties of lanthanide nanomaterials and discuss some representative in-depth research work in detail, showcasing their superiority in early detection of ultra-small tumors, phototherapy, and real-time guidance for surgical resection. However, lanthanide nanomaterials have only realized a portion of their potential in tumor applications so far. Therefore, we discuss promising methods for further improving the performance of lanthanide nanomaterials and their future development directions.

Seeking Brightness in Molecular Erbium-Based Light Upconversion

Whereas dye-sensitized lanthanide-doped nanoparticles represent an unquestionable advance for pushing linear near-infrared (NIR) to visible-light upconversion within the frame of applications, analogous improvements are difficult to mimic for related but intramolecular processes induced at the molecular level in coordination complexes. Major difficulties arise from the cationic nature of the target cyanine-containing sensitizers (S), which drastically limits their thermodynamic affinities for catching the lanthanide activators (A) required for performing linear light upconversion. In this context, the rare previous design of stable dye-containing molecular SA light-upconverters required large S···A distances at the cost of the operation of only poorly efficient intramolecular S → A energy transfers and global sensitization. With the synthesis of the compact ligand [L2]⁺, we exploit here the benefit of using a single sulfur connector between the dye and the binding unit for counterbalancing the drastic electrostatic penalty which is expected to prevent metal complexation. Quantitative amounts of nine-coordinate [L2Er(hfac)₃]⁺ molecular adducts could be finally prepared in solution at millimolar concentrations, while the S···A distance has been reduced by 40% to reach circa 0.7 nm. Detailed photophysical studies demonstrate the operation of a three times improved energy transfer upconversion (ETU) mechanism for molecular [L2Er(hfac)₃]⁺ in acetonitrile at room temperature, thanks to the boosted heavy atom effect operating in the close cyanine/Er pair. NIR excitation at 801 nm can thus be upconverted into visible light (525-545 nm) with an unprecedented brightness of B^up(801 nm) = 2.0(1) × 10^-3 M^-1·cm^-1 for a molecular lanthanide complex.

Analysis of Excitation Energy Transfer in LaPO4 Nanophosphors Co-Doped with Eu3+/Nd3+ and Eu3+/Nd3+/Yb3+ Ions

Nanophosphors are widely used, especially in biological applications in the first and second biological windows. Currently, nanophosphors doped with lanthanide ions (Ln³⁺) are attracting much attention. However, doping the matrix with lanthanide ions is associated with a narrow luminescence bandwidth. This paper describes the structural and luminescence properties of co-doped LaPO₄ nanophosphors, fabricated by the co-precipitation method. X-ray structural analysis, scanning electron microscope measurements with EDS analysis, and luminescence measurements (excitation 395 nm) of LaPO₄:Eu³⁺/Nd³⁺ and LaPO₄:Eu³⁺/Nd³⁺/Yb³⁺ nanophosphors were made and energy transfer between rare-earth ions was investigated. Tests performed confirmed the crystal structure of the produced phosphors and deposition of rare-earth ions in the structure of LaPO₄ nanocrystals. In the range of the first biological window (650-950 nm), strong luminescence bands at the wavelengths of 687 nm and 698 nm (⁵D₀ → ⁷F₄:Eu³⁺) and 867 nm, 873 nm, 889 nm, 896 nm, and 907 nm (⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2:Nd³⁺) were observed. At 980 nm, 991 nm, 1033 nm (²F_5/2 → ²F_7/2:Yb³⁺) and 1048 nm, 1060 nm, 1073 nm, and 1080 nm (⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2:Nd³⁺), strong bands of luminescence were visible in the 950 nm-1100 nm range, demonstrating that energy transfer took place.

Light Conversion upon Photoexcitation of NaBiF4:Yb3+/Ho3+/Ce3+ Nanocrystalline Particles

NaBiF₄ nanocrystalline particles were synthesized by means of a facile precipitation synthesis route to explore upconversion emission properties when doped with lanthanide ions. In particular, the incorporation of the Yb³⁺-Ho³⁺-Ce³⁺ triad with controlled ion concentration facilitates near-IR pumping conversion into visible light, with the possibility of color emission tuning depending on Ce³⁺ doping amount. We observed that introducing a Ce³⁺ content up to 20 at.% in NaBiF₄:Yb³⁺/Ho³⁺, the chromaticity progressively turns from green for the Ce³⁺ undoped system to red. This is due to cross-relaxation mechanisms between Ho³⁺ and Ce³⁺ ions that influence the relative efficiency of the overall upconversion pathways, as discussed on the basis of a theoretical rate equation model. Furthermore, experimental results suggest that the photoexcitation of intra-4f Ho³⁺ transitions with light near the UV-visible edge can promote downconverted Yb³⁺ near-IR emission through quantum cutting triggered by Ho³⁺-Yb³⁺ energy transfer mechanisms. The present study evidences the potentiality of the developed NaBiF₄ particles for applications that exploit lanthanide-based light frequency conversion and multicolor emission tuning.

Tandem fabrication of upconversion nanocomposites enabled by confined protons

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-based nanocomposites can address the intrinsic limitations associated with UCNPs and bestow new functions on UCNPs, which can facilitate the development and application of UCNPs. However, the fabrication of UCNP-based composites typically suffers from complex operations, long-drawn-out procedures, and even loss or damage of UCNPs. Herein, we report a tandem fabrication strategy for the preparation of UCNP-based nanocomposites, in which protons, confined in the non-aqueous polar solvent, can produce ligand-free UCNPs for the direct fabrication of a composite without further treatment. Our studies show that the confined protons can be generated by diverse materials and can yield different types of ligand-free nanomaterials for desired composites. This versatile strategy enables a simple but scalable fabrication of UCNP-based nanocomposites, and can be extended to other nanomaterial-based composites. These findings should provide a platform for constructing multifunctional UCNP-based materials, and benefit potential applications of UCNPs in varied fields.

Understanding and Preventing Photoluminescence Quenching to Achieve Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield in Yb:YLF Nanocrystals

Ytterbium-doped LiYF4 (Yb:YLF) is a commonly used material for laser applications, as a photon upconversion medium, and for optical refrigeration. As nanocrystals (NCs), the material is also of interest for biological and physical applications. Unfortunately, as with most phosphors, with the reduction in size comes a large reduction of the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), which is typically associated with an increase in surface-related PL quenching. Here, we report the synthesis of bipyramidal Yb:YLF NCs with a short axis of ∼60 nm. We systematically study and remove all sources of PL quenching in these NCs. By chemically removing all traces of water from the reaction mixture, we obtain NCs that exhibit a near-unity PLQY for an Yb3+ concentration below 20%. At higher Yb3+ concentrations, efficient concentration quenching occurs. The surface PL quenching is mitigated by growing an undoped YLF shell around the NC core, resulting in near-unity PLQY values even for fully Yb3+-based LiYbF4 cores. This unambiguously shows that the only remaining quenching sites in core-only Yb:YLF NCs reside on the surface and that concentration quenching is due to energy transfer to the surface. Monte Carlo simulations can reproduce the concentration dependence of the PLQY. Surprisingly, Förster resonance energy transfer does not give satisfactory agreement with the experimental data, whereas nearest-neighbor energy transfer does. This work demonstrates that Yb3+-based nanophosphors can be synthesized with a quality close to that of bulk single crystals. The high Yb3+ concentration in the LiYbF4/LiYF4 core/shell nanocrystals increases the weak Yb3+ absorption, making these materials highly promising for fundamental studies and increasing their effectiveness in bioapplications and optical refrigeration.

Noncentrosymmetric Lanthanide-Based MOF Materials Exhibiting Strong SHG Activity and NIR Luminescence of Er3+: Application in Nonlinear Optical Thermometry

Optically active luminescent materials based on lanthanide ions attract significant attention due to their unique spectroscopic properties, nonlinear optical activity, and the possibility of application as contactless sensors. Lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) that exhibit strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) and are optically active in the NIR region are unexpectedly underrepresented. Moreover, such Ln-MOFs require ligands that are chiral and/or need multistep synthetic procedures. Here, we show that the NIR pulsed laser irradiation of the noncentrosymmetric, isostructural Ln-MOF materials (MOF-Er³⁺ (1) and codoped MOF-Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ (2)) that are constructed from simple, achiral organic substrates in a one-step procedure results in strong and tunable SHG activity. The SHG signals could be easily collected, exciting the materials in a broad NIR spectral range, from ≈800 to 1500 nm, resulting in the intense color of emission, observed in the entire visible spectral region. Moreover, upon excitation in the range of ≈900 to 1025 nm, the materials also exhibit the NIR luminescence of Er³⁺ ions, centered at ≈1550 nm. The use of a 975 nm pulse excitation allows simultaneous observations of the conventional NIR emission of Er³⁺ and the SHG signal, altogether tuned by the composition of the Ln-MOF materials. Taking the benefits of different thermal responses of the mentioned effects, we have developed a nonlinear optical thermometer based on lanthanide-MOF materials. In this system, the SHG signal decreases with temperature, whereas the NIR emission band of Er³⁺ slightly broadens, allowing ratiometric (Er³⁺ NIR 1550 nm/SHG 488 nm) temperature monitoring. Our study provides a groundwork for the rational design of readily available and self-monitoring NLO-active Ln-MOFs with the desired optical and electronic properties.

Eu3+ and Tb3+ @ PSQ: Dual Luminescent Polyhedral Oligomeric Polysilsesquioxanes

The synthesis and characterization of novel luminescent amorphous POSS-based polysilsesquioxanes (PSQs) with Tb³⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions directly integrated in the polysilsesquioxane matrix is presented. Two different Tb³⁺/Eu³⁺ molar ratios were applied, with the aim of disclosing the relationships between the nature and loading of the ions and the luminescence properties. Particular attention was given to the investigation of site geometry and hydration state of the metal centers in the inorganic framework, and of the effect of the Tb³⁺ → Eu³⁺ energy transfer on the overall optical properties of the co-doped materials. The obtained materials were characterized by high photostability and colors of the emitted light ranging from orange to deep red, as a function of both the Tb³⁺/Eu³⁺ molar ratio and the chosen excitation wavelength. A good energy transfer was observed, with higher efficiency displayed when donor/sensitizer concentration was lower than the acceptor/activator concentration. The easiness of preparation and the possibility to finely tune the photoluminescence properties make these materials valid candidates for several applications, including bioimaging, sensors, ratiometric luminescence-based thermometers, and optical components in inorganic or hybrid light-emitting devices.

Lanthanide-doped nanoscintillators

Lanthanide-doped nanoscintillators are taking the lead in several important fields including radiation detection, biomedicine, both at the level of diagnosis and therapy, and information encoding.

Dopant ion concentration-dependent upconversion luminescence of cubic SrF2:Yb3+,Er3+ nanocrystals prepared by a fluorolytic sol-gel method

A fluorolytic sol-gel method was used for the fast and simple synthesis of small cubic-phase SrF₂:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ upconversion (UC) nanocrystals (UCNC) of different composition at room temperature. Systematic studies of the crystal phase and particle size of this Yb³⁺,Er³⁺-concentration series as well as excitation power density (P)-dependent UC luminescence (UCL) spectra, UCL quantum yields (Φ_UCL), and UCL decay kinetics yielded maximum UCL performance for doping amounts of Yb³⁺ of 13.5% and Er³⁺ of 1.3% in the studied doping and P-range (30-400 W cm^-2). Furthermore, Φ_UCL were determined to be similar to popular β-NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺. The relative spectral UCL distributions revealed that all UCNC show a strong red emission in the studied doping and P-range (30-400 W cm^-2) and suggest that the UCL quenching pathway for unshelled cubic-phase SrF₂:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ UCNC differs from the commonly accepted population and depopulation pathways of β-NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ UCNC. In SrF₂:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ UCNC the ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_13/2 transition exhibits a notably stronger sensitivity towards P and reveals increasing values for decreasing Yb³⁺-Yb³⁺ distances while the ⁴I_9/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition is significantly less affected by P and energy migration facilitated UCL quenching. These results emphasize the complexity of the UC processes and the decisive role of the crystal phase and symmetry of the host lattice on the operative UCL quenching mechanism in addition to surface effects. Moreover, the room temperature UCNC synthesis enabled a systematic investigation of the influence of the calcination temperature on the crystal phase of powder-UCNC and the associated UCL properties. Calcination studies of solid UCNC of optimized doping concentration in the temperature range of 175 °C and 800 °C showed the beneficial influence of temperature-induced healing of crystal defects on UCL and the onset of a phase separation connected with the oxygenation of the lanthanide ions at elevated temperature. This further emphasizes the sensitivity of the UC process to the crystal phase and quality of the host matrix.

Aspect Ratio of PEGylated Upconversion Nanocrystals Affects the Cellular Uptake In Vitro and In Vivo

The central nervous system (CNS) is protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which acts as a physical barrier to regulate and prevent the uptake of endogenous metabolites and xenobiotics. However, the BBB prevents most non-lipophilic drugs from reaching the CNS following systematic administration. Therefore, there is considerable interest in identifying drug carriers that can maintain the biostability of therapeutic molecules and target their transport across the BBB. In this regard, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have become popular as a nanoparticle-based solution to this problem, with the additional benefit that they display unique properties for in vivo visualization. The majority of studies to date have explored basic spherical UCNPs for drug delivery applications. However, the biophysical properties of UCNPs, cell uptake and BBB transport have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we described a one-pot seed-mediated approach to precisely control longitudinal growth to produce bright UCNPs with various aspect ratios. We have systematically evaluated the effects of the physical aspect ratios and PEGylation of UCNPs on cellular uptake in different cell lines and an in vivo zebrafish model. We found that PEGylated the original UCNPs can enhance their biostability and cell uptake capacity. We identify an optimal aspect ratio for UCNP uptake into several different types of cultured cells, finding that this is generally in the ratio of 2 (length/width). This data provides a crucial clue for further optimizing UCNPs as a drug carrier to deliver therapeutic agents into the CNS. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The central nervous system (CNS) is protected by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which acts as a highly selective semipermeable barrier of endothelial cells to regulate and prevent the uptake of toxins and pathogens. However, the BBB prevents most non-lipophilic drugs from reaching the CNS following systematic administration. The proposed research is significant because identifying the aspect ratio of drug carriers that maintains the biostability of therapeutic molecules and targets their transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for designing an efficient drug delivery system. Therefore, this research provides a vital clue for further optimizing UCNPs as drug carriers to deliver therapeutic molecules into the brain.

Selective crystallization of dysprosium complex from neodymium/dysprosium mixture enabled by cooperation of coordination and crystallization

Designing a molecular-level Ln³⁺ separation system remains a challenge for developing next-generation separation methodologies. Herein, we report crystallization-based Nd³⁺/Dy³⁺ separation using a tripodal Schiff base ligand. Highly selective crystallization of the Dy³⁺ complex was enabled by cooperation between the coordination and crystallization processes.

Multifunctionality of the [C2mim][Ln(fod)4] series (Ln = Nd–Tm except Pm): magnetic, luminescence and thermochemical studies

The [C2mim][Ln(fod)4] series presents a rare and reversible polymorphism, NIR and visible emission as well as SMM behavior. The varieties of physical behaviors make these compounds suitable for potential technological and/or biomedical applications.

Multiplexed structured illumination super-resolution imaging with lifetime-engineered upconversion nanoparticles

The emerging optical multiplexing within nanoscale shows super-capacity in encoding information by using lifetime fingerprints from luminescent nanoparticles. However, the optical diffraction limit compromises the decoding accuracy and throughput of the nanoparticles during conventional widefield imaging. This, in turn, challenges the quality of nanoparticles to afford the modulated excitation condition and further retain the multiplexed optical fingerprints for super-resolution multiplexing. Here we report a tailor-made multiplexed super-resolution imaging method using the lifetime-engineered upconversion nanoparticles. We demonstrate that the nanoparticles are bright, uniform, and stable under structured illumination, which supports a lateral resolution of 185 nm, less than 1/4th of the excitation wavelength. We further develop a deep learning algorithm to coordinate with super-resolution images for more accurate decoding compared to a numeric algorithm. We demonstrate a three-channel super-resolution imaging based optical multiplexing with decoding accuracies above 93% for each channel and larger than 60% accuracy for potential seven-channel multiplexing. The improved resolution provides high throughput by resolving the particles within the diffraction-limited spots, which enables higher multiplexing capacity in space. This lifetime multiplexing super-resolution method opens a new horizon for handling the growing amount of information content, disease source, and security risk in modern society.

Solvent Extraction of Lanthanides(III) in the Presence of the Acetate Ion Acting as a Complexing Agent Using Mixtures of Cyanex 272 and Caprylic Acid in Hexane

A new extraction system containing a mixture of Cyanex 272 and caprylic acid is proposed for the extraction and separation of lanthanides(III). It was shown that this system possesses a high level of extraction ability and capacity. The extraction of lanthanides(III) from chloride-acetate and nitrate-acetate media was investigated on an example of La(III). The composition of the extracted species was confirmed, based on the analysis of lanthanum(III) extraction isotherms. In the case of acetic-acetate aqueous solutions, a decrease in lanthanum(III) extraction efficiency was observed, due to the decreasing equilibrium pH of the aqueous phase in accordance with the cation-exchange mechanism. The composition of the synergistic mixture of Cyanex 272-caprylic acid established demonstrates highly efficient separation of rare-earth metal ions.

SERS substrate fabrication for biochemical sensing: towards point-of-care diagnostics

Rapid technology development and economic growth have brought attention to public health issues, such as food safety and environmental pollution, which creates an ever-increasing demand for fast and portable sensing technologies. Portable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) capable of various analyte detection with low concentration in a convenient manner shows advantages in sensing technology including enhanced diagnostic precision, improved diagnostic efficiency, reduced diagnostic cost, and alleviation of patient pain, which emerges as a promising candidate for point-of-care testing (POCT). SERS detection technology based on different nanostructures made of noble metal-based nanomaterials can increase the sensitivity of Raman scattering by 6-8 orders of magnitude, making Raman based trace detection possible, and greatly promote the application scenarios of portable Raman spectrometers. In this perspective, we provide an overview of fundamental knowledge about the SERS mechanism including chemical and electromagnetic field enhancement mechanisms, the design and fabrication of SERS substrates based on materials, progress of using SERS for POCT in biochemical sensing and its clinical applications. Furthermore, we present the prospective of developing new nanomaterials with different functionalities for advanced SERS substrates, as well as the future advancement of biomedical sensing and clinical potential of SERS technology.

A first approach to the use of upconversion nanoparticles to measure fluorescent tracers in water: a proof of concept

In this work we use lanthanide based NaYF₄:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) to detect ppb-level sensitibity of a xanthene dye, Rhodamine B (RB) dye, under NIR excitation. A static energy transfer was observed between the luminescent UCNP energy donors and RB acceptor in aqueous solution for three different sizes of UCNP. No specific covalent functionalization of the UCNPs was performed providing a direct method of detection, particularly promising in natural systems where the interfering fluorescence background is a detrimental limitation to the performance of the detection method. This procedure is a first approach to be applied in estuarine and coastal zone where the high content of suspended particulate matter prevents the detection of tracers.

Preselectable Optical Fingerprints of Heterogeneous Upconversion Nanoparticles

The control in optical uniformity of single nanoparticles and tuning their diversity in multiple dimensions, dot to dot, holds the key to unlocking nanoscale applications. Here we report that the entire lifetime profile of the single upconversion nanoparticle (τ² profile) can be resolved by confocal, wide-field, and super-resolution microscopy techniques. The advances in both spatial and temporal resolutions push the limit of optical multiplexing from microscale to nanoscale. We further demonstrate that the time-domain optical fingerprints can be created by utilizing nanophotonic upconversion schemes, including interfacial energy migration, concentration dependency, energy transfer, and isolation of surface quenchers. We exemplify that three multiple dimensions, including the excitation wavelength, emission color, and τ² profile, can be built into the nanoscale derivative τ²-dots. Creating a vast library of individually preselectable nanotags opens up a new horizon for diverse applications, spanning from sub-diffraction-limit data storage to high-throughput single-molecule digital assays and super-resolution imaging.

A Complete Ab Initio View of Orbach and Raman Spin-Lattice Relaxation in a Dysprosium Coordination Compound

The unique electronic and magnetic properties of lanthanide molecular complexes place them at the forefront of the race toward high-temperature single-molecule magnets and magnetic quantum bits. The design of compounds of this class has so far being almost exclusively driven by static crystal field considerations, with an emphasis on increasing the magnetic anisotropy barrier. Now that this guideline has reached its maximum potential, a deeper understanding of spin-phonon relaxation mechanisms presents itself as key in order to drive synthetic chemistry beyond simple intuition. In this work, we compute relaxation times fully ab initio and unveil the nature of all spin-phonon relaxation mechanisms, namely Orbach and Raman pathways, in a prototypical Dy single-molecule magnet. Computational predictions are in agreement with the experimental determination of spin relaxation time and crystal field anisotropy, and show that Raman relaxation, dominating at low temperature, is triggered by low-energy phonons and little affected by further engineering of crystal field axiality. A comprehensive analysis of spin-phonon coupling mechanism reveals that molecular vibrations beyond the ion’s first coordination shell can also assume a prominent role in spin relaxation through an electrostatic polarization effect. Therefore, this work shows the way forward in the field by delivering a novel and complete set of chemically sound design rules tackling every aspect of spin relaxation at any temperature.

Molecular light-upconversion: we have had a problem! When excited state absorption (ESA) overcomes energy transfer upconversion (ETU) in Cr(III)/Er(III) complexes

Nine-coordinate [ErN₉] or [ErN₃O₆] chromophores found in triple helical [Er(L)₃]³⁺ complexes (L corresponds to 2,2′,6′,2′′-terpyridine (tpy), 2,6-(bisbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine (bzimpy), 2,6-diethylcarboxypyridine (dpa-ester) or 2,6-diethylcarboxamidopyridine (dpa-diamide) derivatives), [Er(dpa)₃]³⁻ (dpa is the 2,6-dipicolinate dianion) and [GaErGa(bpb-bzimpy)₃]⁹⁺ (bpb-bzimpy is 2,6-bis((pyridin-2-benzimidazol-5-yl)methyl-(benzimidazol-2-yl))pyridine) exhibit NIR (excitation at 801 nm) into visible (emission at 542 nm) linear light upconversion processes in acetonitrile at room temperature. The associated quantum yields 5.5(6) × 10⁻¹¹ ≤ ϕ^up_tot(ESA) ≤ 1.7(2) × 10⁻⁹ appear to be 1–3 orders of magnitude larger than those predicted by the accepted single-center excited-state absorption mechanism (ESA). Switching to the alternative energy transfer upconversion mechanism (ETU), which operates in multi-centers [CrErCr(bpb-bzimpy)₃]⁹⁺, leads to an improved quantum yield of ϕ^up_tot(ETU) = 5.8(6) × 10⁻⁸, but also to an even larger discrepancy by 4–6 orders of magnitude when compared with theoretical models. All photophysical studies point to Er(⁴I_13/2) as being the only available ‘long-lived’ (1.8 ≤ τ ≤ 6.3 μs) and emissive excited state, which works as an intermediate relay for absorbing the second photon, but with an unexpected large cross-section for an intrashell 4f → 4f electronic transition. With this in mind, the ETU mechanism, thought to optimize upconversion via intermetallic Cr → Er communication in [CrErCr(bpb-bzimpy)₃]⁹⁺, is indeed not crucial and the boosted associated upconversion quantum yield is indebted to the dominant contribution of the single-center erbium ESA process. This curious phenomenon is responsible for the successful implementation of light upconversion in molecular coordination complexes under reasonable light power intensities, which paves the way for applications in medicine and biology. Its origin could be linked with the presence of metal–ligand bonding.

Near-infrared to visible molecular upconversion exhibits quantum yields which are 2–6 orders of magnitude larger than those modeled with the accepted linear excited state absorption (ESA) or energy transfer (ETU) mechanisms: we have had a problem!

Drastic Enhancement of Photosensitized Energy Transfer Efficiency of a Eu(III) Complex Driven by Arsenic

In this study, we focused on arsenic as a new potential motif for the ligand design of high-efficiency, luminous lanthanide complexes. A Eu³⁺ complex bearing triphenylarsine oxide had a photosensitized energy-transfer efficiency 7.9 times higher than that of a Eu³⁺ complex bearing triphenylphosphine oxide. This is mainly due to the heavy-atom effect of arsenic, which was supported by evaluating the photoluminescence spectra of their corresponding Gd³⁺ complexes.

PEI functionalized NaCeF4:Tb3+/Eu3+ for photoluminescence sensing of heavy metal ions and explosive aromatic nitro compounds

This work reports an eco-friendly hydrothermal approach for the synthesis of hexagonal NaCeF4:Tb3+/Eu3+ nanophosphors. The phase, morphology and optical properties were characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy respectively. Herein, the as-synthesized nanophosphor was functionalized with amine rich polyethylenimine (PEI) resulting in development of a luminescent nanoprobe bearing dual sensing functions for hazardous nitroaromatics and heavy metal ions. The strong photoluminescence emission of Eu3+ ions was selectively quenched upon addition of toxic analytes at concentrations from 10 to 100 ppm due to complex formation between the analytes and PEI functionalized nanostructure. The synthesized nanomaterial shows sharp emission peaks at 493, 594, 624, 657 and 700 nm. Significantly, the peak at 594 nm shows a noticeable quenching effect on addition of toxic analytes to the aqueous solution of the nanocrystals. The nanophosphors are sensitive and efficient for the PA and Fe3+ ion detection with an LOD of 1.32 ppm and 1.39 ppm. The Stern-Volmer (SV) quenching constant (K SV) is found to be 2.25 × 105 M-1 for PA and 3.8 × 104 M-1 for Fe3+ ions. The high K SV value and low LOD suggest high selectivity and sensitivity of the nanosensor towards PA and Fe3+ ions over other analytes. Additionally, a reduced graphene oxide and nanophosphor based nanocomposite was also synthesized to investigate the role of energy transfer involving delocalized energy levels of reduced graphene oxide in regulating the luminescence properties of the nanophosphor. It was observed that PEI plays central role in inhibiting the quenching effect of reduced graphene oxide on the nanophosphor.

Lanthanide doped luminescence nanothermometers in the biological windows: strategies and applications

The development of lanthanide-doped non-contact luminescent nanothermometers with accuracy, efficiency and fast diagnostic tools attributed to their versatility, stability and narrow emission band profiles has spurred the replacement of conventional contact thermal probes. The application of lanthanide-doped materials as temperature nanosensors, excited by ultraviolet, visible or near infrared light, and the generation of emissions lying in the biological window regions, I-BW (650 nm-950 nm), II-BW (1000 nm-1350 nm), III-BW (1400 nm-2000 nm) and IV-BW (centered at 2200 nm), are notably growing due to the advantages they present, including reduced phototoxicity and photobleaching, better image contrast and deeper penetration depths into biological tissues. Here, the different mechanisms used in lanthanide ion-doped nanomaterials to sense temperature in these biological windows for biomedical and other applications are summarized, focusing on factors that affect their thermal sensitivity, and consequently their temperature resolution. Comparing the thermometric performance of these nanomaterials in each biological window, we identified the strategies that allow boosting of their sensing properties.

Nano-Crystallization of Ln-Fluoride Crystals in Glass-Ceramics via Inducing of Yb3+ for Efficient Near-Infrared Upconversion Luminescence of Tm3

Transparent glass-ceramic composites embedded with Ln-fluoride nanocrystals are prepared in this work to enhance the upconversion luminescence of Tm³⁺. The crystalline phases, microstructures, and photoluminescence properties of samples are carefully investigated. KYb₃F₁₀ nanocrystals are proved to controllably precipitate in the glass-ceramics via the inducing of Yb³⁺ when the doping concentration varies from 0.5 to 1.5 mol%. Pure near-infrared upconversion emissions are observed and the emission intensities are enhanced in the glass-ceramics as compared to in the precursor glass due to the incorporation of Tm³⁺ into the KYb₃F₁₀ crystal structures via substitutions for Yb³⁺. Furthermore, KYb₂F₇ crystals are also nano-crystallized in the glass-ceramics when the Yb³⁺ concentration exceeds 2.0 mol%. The upconversion emission intensity of Tm³⁺ is further enhanced by seven times as Tm³⁺ enters the lattice sites of pure KYb₂F₇ nanocrystals. The designed glass ceramics provide efficient gain materials for optical applications in the biological transmission window. Moreover, the controllable nano-crystallization strategy induced by Yb³⁺ opens a new way for engineering a wide range of functional nanomaterials with effective incorporation of Ln³⁺ ions into fluoride crystal structures.

Development of dispersible radioluminescent silicate nanoparticles through a sacrificial layer approach

X-rays offer low tissue attenuation with high penetration depth when used in medical applications and when coupled with radioluminescent nanoparticles, offer novel theranostic opportunities. In this role, the ideal scintillator requires a high degree of crystallinity for an application relevant radioluminescence, yet a key challenge is the irreversible aggregation of the particles at most crystallization temperatures. In this communication, a high temperature multi-composite reactor (HTMcR) process was successfully developed to recrystallize monodisperse scintillating particulates by employing a core-multishell architecture. The core-shell morphology of the particles consisted of a silica core over-coated with a rare earth (Re = Y³⁺, Lu³⁺, Ce³⁺) oxide shell. This core-shell assembly was then encapsulated within a poly(divinylbenzene) shell which was converted to glassy carbon during the annealing & crystallization of the silica/rare earth oxide core-shell particle. This glassy carbon acted as a delamination layer and prevented the irreversible aggregation of the particles during the high temperature crystallization step. A subsequent low temperature annealing step in an air environment removed the glassy carbon and resulted in radioluminescent nanoparticles. Two monodisperse nanoparticle systems were synthesized using the HTMcR process including cerium doped Y₂Si₂O₇ and Lu₂Si₂O₇ with radioluminescence peaks at 427 and 399 nm, respectively. These particles may be employed as an in vivo light source for a noninvasive X-ray excited optogenetics.

Solution structure of a europium–nicotianamine complex supports that phytosiderophores bind lanthanides

The structures of europium–EDTA (known lanthanide chelator) and europium–nicotianamine (biochemical precursor of phytosiderophores) complexes are resolved, in solution, with ab initio molecular dynamics as well as excitation and emission spectroscopy.

Interactions Between Hydrated Cerium(III) Cations and Carboxylates in an Aqueous Solution: Anomalously Strong Complex Formation with Diglycolate, Suggesting a Chelate Effect

Interactions between hydrated Ce3+ and various carboxylates are of fundamental interest. Anomalously strong interactions with Ce3+ occur when diglycolic acid (DGA) is added into a Ce3+ aqueous solution, unlike various other carboxylic acids. Herein, the complex-formation constants of Ce3+ with these acids are evaluated via absorption and emission spectra. Hydrated Ce3+ emits fluorescence with unity quantum yield; however, addition of various carboxylates statically quenches the fluorescence when Ce3+-carboxylate complexes form because the fluorescence lifetime is constant irrespective of the carboxylate concentration. In the observed static quenching, the complex-formation constants obtained from the absorption and emission spectra (K abs and K em) agree well. The binding of Ce3+ by the conjugate Lewis bases, i.e., carboxylates, is approximately inversely proportional to the pH. Adding DGA into the system also statically quenches the fluorescence, but far more efficiently, even in a much weaker solution. We rigorously deduce K abs and K em of Ce3+ with DGA without any approximation using comparable concentrations. Careful fittings provide equivalent K em and K abs values, and by varying the pH and ionic strength, we confirm that this equivalence is an inherent property of the Ce3+-DGA system. The Lewis acid-base theory cannot explain why DGA binds to Ce3+ ∼1000 times more strongly than the other carboxylates. This anomalously strong binding may be due to a chelate effect caused by the DGA's central oxygen atom, which forms a five-membered ring with the conjugate Lewis bases of DGA; double chelate rings can also form, while bis-deprotonated DGA binds to Ce3+, facilitated by the central oxygen. Therefore, DGA enables efficient quenching through the chelate effect when it binds to Ce3+.

Halogenated Terephthalic Acid "Antenna Effects" in Lanthanide-SURMOF Thin Films

Lanthanide-based crystalline coatings have a great potential for energy-conversion devices, but until now luminescent surface-anchored materials were difficult to fabricate. Thin films, called lanthanides surface-mounted metal-organic frameworks (SURMOFs) with tetrasubstituted halide (fluorine, chlorine, and bromine) terephthalic acid derivative linkers as a basic platform for optical devices, exhibit a high quantum yield of fluorescence visible to the naked eyes under ambient light. We show that we can tune the luminescent properties in thin films by halide substitution, which affords control over the molecular structure of the material. We rationalize the mechanism for the modulation of the photophysical properties by "antenna effect", which controls the energy transfer and quantum yields using experimental and theoretical techniques for chelated lanthanides as a function of the type of atom substitutions at the phenyl rings and the resulting dihedral angle between phenyl rings in the linkers and carboxylate groups.

Lanthanide Upconverted Luminescence for Simultaneous Contactless Optical Thermometry and Manometry-Sensing under Extreme Conditions of Pressure and Temperature

The growing interest in the miniaturization of various devices and conducting experiments under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature causes the need for the development of small, contactless, precise, and accurate optical sensors without any electrical connections. In this work, YF₃:Yb³⁺-Er³⁺ upconverting microparticles are used as a bifunctional luminescence sensor for simultaneous temperature and pressure measurements. Different changes in the properties of Er³⁺ green and red upconverted luminescence, after excitation of Yb³⁺ ions in the near-infrared at ∼975 nm, are used to calibrate pressure and/or temperature inside the hydrostatic chamber of a diamond anvil cell (DAC). For temperature sensing, changes in the relative intensities of the Er³⁺ green upconverted luminescence of ²H_11/2 and ⁴S_3/2 thermally coupled multiplets to the ⁴I_15/2 ground state, whose relative populations follow a Boltzmann distribution, are calibrated. For pressure sensing, the spectral shift of the Er³⁺ upconverted red emission peak at ∼665 nm, between the Stark sublevels of the ⁴F_9/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition, is used. Experiments performed under simultaneous extreme conditions of pressure, up to ∼8 GPa, and temperature, up to ∼473 K, confirm the possibility of remote optical pressure and temperature sensing.

Metasurface Enhanced Sensitized Photon Upconversion: Toward Highly Efficient Low Power Upconversion Applications and Nanoscale E-Field Sensors

Large-scale nanoimprinted metasurfaces based on silicon photonic crystal slabs were produced and coated with a NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) layer. UCNPs on these metasurfaces yield a more than 500-fold enhanced upconversion emission compared to UCNPs on planar surfaces. It is also demonstrated how the optical response of the UCNPs can be used to estimate the local field energy in the coating layer. Optical simulations using the finite element method validate the experimental results and the calculated spatial three-dimensional field energy distribution helps us to understand the emission enhancement mechanism of the UCNPs closely attached to the metasurface. In addition, we analyzed the spectral shifts of the resonances for uncoated and coated metasurfaces and metasurfaces submerged in water to enable a prediction of the optimum layer thicknesses for different excitation wavelengths, paving the way to applications such as electromagnetic field sensors or bioassays.

Near-infrared-excited upconversion photodynamic therapy of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii based on lanthanide nanoparticles

Extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDR-AB) has raised considerable concerns due to its mortal damage to humans and its high transmission rate of infections in hospitals. However, current antibiotics not only show poor anti-infection effects in vivo but also frequently cause high nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Herein, we report a near-infrared (NIR) light-initiated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) to effectively treat in vivo XDR-AB infections based on photosensitizer (PS) loaded upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, LiYF₄:Yb/Er). Such nanoagents feature robust NIR triggered UC luminescence and high-efficiency energy transfer from UCNPs to the loaded PS, thereby allowing NIR-triggered generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for destroying the bacterial cell membrane. This strategy permits a high antibacterial activity against XDR-AB, resulting in a decline of 4.72 log₁₀ in viability at a dose of 50 μg mL^-1 UCNPs-PVP-RB with 980 nm laser irradiation (1 W cm^-2). More significantly, we can achieve excellent therapeutic efficacy against deep-tissue (about 5 mm) XDR-AB infections without causing any side effects in the murine model. In brief, such NIR-activated aPDT may open up new avenues for treating various deep-tissue intractable infections.

Thermally Stable and Deep Red Luminescence of Sr1-xBax[Mg2Al2N4]:Eu2+ (x = 0-1) Phosphors for Solid State and Agricultural Lighting Applications

The systematic substitution of Ba in the Sr site of Sr[Mg₂Al₂N₄]:Eu²⁺ generates a deep-red-emitting phosphor with enhanced thermal luminescence properties. Gas pressure sintering (GPS) of all-nitride starting materials in Molybdenum (Mo) crucibles yields pure-phase red-orange-colored phosphors. Peaks in the synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD) data show a systematic shift toward smaller angles due to the introduction of the larger Ba cation in the same crystal structure. The photoluminescence property reveals that Ba substitution shifts the original emission wavelength of Sr[Mg₂Al₂N₄]:Eu²⁺ (625 nm) toward ∼690 nm for Ba[Mg₂Al₂N₄]:Eu²⁺. Thermal stability measurement of Sr_1-xBa_x[Mg₂Al₂N₄] indicates a systematic increase in stability from x = 0 to x = 1. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) results demonstrate the coexistence of Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺. The red-shift and the enhanced thermal stability reveals that the distance of the emitting 5d level to the conduction band of Ba[Mg₂Al₂N₄]:Eu²⁺ is large. The ionic size mismatch of Eu occupying a Ba site reduces the symmetry, thereby further splitting the degenerate emitting 5d level and lowering the energy of the emitting center. The development of deep-red phosphors emitting at 670-690 nm (x = 0.8-1.0) offers possible candidates for plant lighting applications.

Novel narrow-band blue-emitting Cs3Zn6B9O21:Bi3+ phosphor with superior thermal stability

A novel Bi³⁺-doped CsZn₆B₉O₂₁ blue phosphor shows an extraordinary narrow-band emission with a FWHM of only 50 nm and excellent thermal stability.

Photoluminescence control and abnormal Eu3+ orange emission in Ln3+ (Ln3+ = Ce3+, Eu3+)-doped oxyapatite-type phosphors

Controllable photoluminescence adjustment of Ce³⁺/Eu³⁺-doped phosphors.

A novel one-pot strategy to rapidly synthesize bright red emitting upconversion nanocrystals with core–shell–shell structure

By growing NaYbF₄ and NaYF₄ on β-NaErF4:0.005Tm in one pot, the upconversion intensity was tremendously enhanced.

UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra of lanthanide oxides and fluorides

Absorption spectra of inorganic lanthanide fluorides and oxides.