Bulk mixed halides constitute an important class of optical materials used as detection and storage phosphors in medicine. However, the potential of their nanocrystalline counterparts in biophotonic applications such as imaging and sensing is largely unexplored. In this talk I will highlight the potential of mixed-halide nanocrystals as luminescent thermometers capable of operating in a broad temperature range, from cryogenic to physiological temperatures. First, I will describe the chemistry that enables the synthesis of size- and shape-controlled mixed-halide nanocrystals with sizes ranging from 20 to 100 nm. Then, I will show how controlled amounts of rare-earth ions may be incorporated into these nanocrystals to generate a family of color-tunable NIR-to-visible upconverters. Finally, I will demonstrate that rare-earth-doped mixed halide nanocrystals serve as optical temperature sensors in the 100–400 K range. These luminescent thermometers can be excited within the first biological window.

Mixed-halide nanocrystals: From NIR-to-Vis upconverters to luminescent thermometers

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.