Tuning epitaxial growth on NaYbFupconversion nanoparticles by strain management

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

19 Scopus Citations
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Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13973-13979
Journal / PublicationNanoscale
Volume12
Issue number26
Online published4 Jun 2020
Publication statusPublished - 14 Jul 2020

Abstract

Core-shell structural engineering is a common strategy for tuning upconversion luminescence in lanthanide-doped nanoparticles. However, epitaxial growth on hexagonal phase NaYbF4 nanoparticles typically suffers from incomplete shell coverage due to the large and anisotropic interfacial strain. Herein, we explore the effects of core particle size and morphology as well as reaction temperature on controlling the epitaxial growth of NaGdF4 shells on NaYbF4 nanoparticles with misfit parameters of fa = 1.58% and fl = 2.24% for axial and lateral growth, respectively. Rod-like core particles with a long length and a large diameter are found to promote shell growth with high surface coverage by facilitating the relaxation of lattice strains. Furthermore, the primary NaGdF4 shell can serve as a transition layer to mediate the growth of additional NaNdF4 coating layers that display an even larger lattice misfit with the core (fa = 2.98%; fl = 4.32%). The resultant NaYbF4@Na(Gd/Nd)F4 core-shell nanostructures simultaneously show strong multiphoton upconversion luminescence and superior magnetic resonance T1 ionic relaxivity. Our findings are important for the rational design of core-shell upconversion nanoparticles with optimized properties and functionality for technological applications.

Research Area(s)

  • UP-CONVERSION NANOPARTICLES, LUMINESCENCE, NM, NANOCRYSTALS, ENHANCEMENT, CELL

Citation Format(s)

Tuning epitaxial growth on NaYbFupconversion nanoparticles by strain management. / Zhao, Jianxiong; Chen, Bing; Chen, Xian et al.
In: Nanoscale, Vol. 12, No. 26, 14.07.2020, p. 13973-13979.

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