Interface disorder in large single- and multi-shell upconverting nanocrystals

Abstract

Single- and multi-shell upconverting nanocrystals, with their increasing numbers of applications, are characterized by core–shell and shell–shell interfaces, which are not yet fully understood. In this contribution, the magnitude of interface disorder in large single- and multi-shell nanocrystals is investigated.

Thermal enhancement of upconversion emission in nanocrystals: a comprehensive summary

“…[132][133][134][135][136][137][138] Moreover, recent results showed that the cation intermixing in UCNPs was significant, 120,[139][140][141][142] resulting in the strong luminescence quenching through the deleterious CR processes between different Ln 3+ , supposedly located in the core or shell regions. 141,143 In addition, the concern of cation dopant distributions in nanostructures was addressed frequently. 142,[144][145][146] These issues not only perplex the detailed analysis of currently available results but also greatly prevent the explicit understanding of the overall quenching mechanism.…”

Simultaneous ultraviolet-C and near-infrared enhancement in heterogeneous lanthanide nanocrystals

“…This result could be ascribed to core–shell intermixing caused by the relatively small core (8.6 nm) and whole core–multishell nanoparticle (20.6 nm), which is consistent with the previous report. 39–44…”

Resonance Energy Transfer to Track the Motion of Lanthanide Ions—What Drives the Intermixing in Core-Shell Upconverting Nanoparticles?

“…This intermixing process has been demonstrated, e.g., by TEM investigations. Examples are given by Hudry et al revealing an intermixing layer formed during the synthesis of core-shell nanostructures [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. A recent work by Diogenis et al contributes to these findings and reveals a major excitation of Eu(III) in the core-shell interfacial region by an energy transfer from Gd(III) [ 14 ].…”