Upconversion Nanocomposite Materials With Designed Thermal Response for Optoelectronic Devices

Author(s)

Martinez, Eduardo D. ; Brites, Carlos D. S. ; Carlos, Luis D. ; Urbano, Ricardo R. ; Rettori, Carlos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RONTIERS IN CHEMISTR; v. 7, p. 11-pg., 2019-03-04.

Abstract

Upconversion is a non-linear optical phenomenon by which low energy photons stimulate the emission of higher energy ones. Applications of upconversion materials are wide and cover diverse areas such as bio-imaging, solar cells, optical thermometry, displays, and anti-counterfeiting technologies, among others. When these materials are synthesized in the form of nanoparticles, the effect of temperature on the optical emissions depends critically on their size, creating new opportunities for innovation. However, it remains a challenge to achieve upconversion materials that can be easily processed for their direct application or for the manufacture of optoelectronic devices. In this work, we developed nanocomposite materials based on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) dispersed in a polymer matrix of either polylactic acid or poly(methyl methacrylate). These materials can be processed from solution to form thin film multilayers, which can be patterned by applying soft-lithography techniques to produce the desired features in the micro-scale, and luminescent tracks when used as nanocomposite inks. The high homogeneity of the films, the uniform distribution of the UCNPs and the easygoing deposition process are the distinctive features of such an approach. Furthermore, the size-dependent thermal properties of UCNPs can be exploited by a proper formulation of the nanocomposites in order to develop materials with high thermal sensitivity and a thermochromic response. Here, we thus present different strategies for designing optical devices through patterning techniques, ink dispensing and multilayer stacking. By applying upconverting nanocomposites with unique thermal responses, local heating effects in designed nanostructures were observed. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/04870-7 - Studies of novel complex and advanced materials
• Grantee: Pascoal Jose Giglio Pagliuso
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/12489-8 - Ultra high sensitivity upconversion nanoparticles for optical nanotermometry and thermochromaticity
• Grantee: Eduardo David Martínez
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 12/05903-6 - Nuclear magnetic resonance of novel complex and advanced materials in condensed matter physics
• Grantee: Ricardo Rodrigues Urbano
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/23882-4 - PLASMONIC EFICIENCY INTENSIFICATION OF THE UPCONVESION IN NANOCRYSTAIS DOPED WITH RARE EARTHS.
• Grantee: Eduardo David Martínez
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 15/21290-2 - Multi-User Equipment in grant 12/04870-7 - dynamic light scattering analyser Horiba SZ-100Z
• Grantee: Pascoal Jose Giglio Pagliuso
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 11/19924-2 - Study and development of advanced novel materials: electronic, magnetic and nanostructured: an interdisciplinary approach
• Grantee: Carlos Rettori
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/21289-4 - Multi-User Equipment in grant 12/04870-7 - desktop X-ray powder diffractometer
• Grantee: Pascoal Jose Giglio Pagliuso
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program