Plasmonic enhanced emissions from cubic NaYF(4):Yb: Er/Tm nanophosphors.

ABSTRACT: A metal shell was used in this study to provide significant enhancement of the up-converted emission from cubic NaYF(4) nanoparticles, creating a valuable composite material for labeling in biology and other applications - use of the cubic form of the material obviates the need to undertake a high temperature transformation to the naturally more efficient hexagonal phase. The NaYF(4) matrix contained ytterbium sensitizer and an Erbium (Er) or Thulium (Tm) activator. The particle sizes of the as-synthesized nanoparticles were in the range of 20-40 nm with a gold shell thickness of 4-8 nm. The gold shell was macroscopically amorphous. The synthesis method was based on a citrate chelation. In this approach, we exploited the ability of the citrate ion to act as a reductant and stabilizer. Conf

SUBMITTER: Sudheendra L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3119558 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature