An estimator for the Coulomb repulsion parameter U to generate vacuum referred binding energy schemes for lanthanides in compounds

The U-value defined as the energy difference between the Eu^4+/3+ and Eu^3+/2+ charge transition levels (CTLs) is the most important parameter in constructing vacuum referred binding energy diagrams (VRBEs) with all the lanthanide CTLs with respect to the vacuum level of energy. The parameter is difficult to determine from...

Shaping the nanoworld: From precursors to functional nanocrystals

Nucleation and Growth of Bipyramidal Yb:LiYF4 Nanocrystals─Growing Up in a Hot Environment

Lanthanide-doped LiYF4 (Ln:YLF) is commonly used for a broad variety of optical applications, such as lasing, photon upconversion and optical refrigeration. When synthesized as nanocrystals (NCs), this material is also of interest for biological applications and fundamental physical studies. Until now, it was unclear how Ln:YLF NCs grow from...

Lanthanopolyoxometalate-Silica Core/Shell Nanoparticles as Potential MRI Contrast Agents

The NMR relaxivities of the decatungstolanthanoate core-shell nanoparticles, prepared by encapsulating [Ln(W₅O₁₈)₂]⁹⁻ polyoxometalates (LnPOM) within amorphous silica shells (K₉[Ln(W₅O₁₈)₂]@SiO₂), were studied along the Ln series. The relaxivity...

Lanthanide-Loaded Nanoscaffolds for Multimodal Imaging and Therapy

Multimodal imaging techniques are emerging in medical diagnosis. The synergistic combination of imaging techniques, such as MRI and PET/SPECT, is highly useful to strengthen each of the individual imaging modalities while reducing any of their disadvantages. In recent years, the progress of technical integration of imaging scanners has led to a...

Locating Energy Levels of Lanthanide Ions in Inorganic Ionic Compounds

Many phosphors nowadays are lanthanide (Ln) activated semi-conductor and insulator materials due to their serviceable luminescent properties. Few years ago, an empirical model for semi-conductor and insulator materials with an Ln activator has been developed that not only explains the optical properties of phosphors but helps as well to find...