Full shell coating or cation exchange enhances luminescence

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article number6178
Journal / PublicationNature Communications
Volume12
Online published26 Oct 2021
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes

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Abstract

Core-shell structure is routinely used for enhancing luminescence of optical nanoparticles, where the luminescent core is passivated by an inert shell. It has been intuitively accepted that the luminescence would gradually enhance with the coverage of inert shell. Here we report an “off-on” effect at the interface of core-shell upconversion nanoparticles, i.e., regardless of the shell coverage, the luminescence is not much enhanced unless the core is completely encapsulated. This effect indicates that full shell coating on the luminescent core is critical to significantly enhance luminescence, which is usually neglected. Inspired by this observation, a cation exchange approach is used to block the energy transfer between core nanoparticle and surface quenchers. We find that the luminescent core exhibits enhanced luminescence after cation exchange creates an effective shell region. These findings are believed to provide a better understanding of the interfacial energy dynamics and subsequent luminescence changes. © 2021, The Author(s).

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Citation Format(s)

Full shell coating or cation exchange enhances luminescence. / Zhang, Yi; Lei, Pengpeng; Zhu, Xiaohui et al.
In: Nature Communications, Vol. 12, 6178, 2021.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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