Anti-thermal quenching in Nd molecular near-infrared thermometers operating at physiological temperatures.

Examples of molecular complexes acting as thermometers operating at room temperature in near infrared region are scarce, therefore this work showcases the anti-thermal quenching effect on neodymium(III) molecular thermometers working in biological windows within the physiological temperature range. A mononuclear complex, [Nd(L)(NO)] (1Nd), where L is a macrocyclic ligand, was synthesized and used as a precursor to develop two novel species: a dinuclear, [(Nd(L)(NO))(µ-BDC)](NO)·HO (2Nd), linked by 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (BDC), and a hexameric, [(Nd(L))(µ-BTC)(HO)]·35HO (6Nd), linked with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate (BTC). Thermometric properties were studied in the physiological temperature range (292-332 K), utilizing 804 nm laser excitation (first biological window) and monitoring emissions in the second biological window (908, 1065, and 1340 nm) associated with the F → I, I, I transitions, respectively.

Enlightening molecular logic: basics, tools and techniques for newcomers.

As silicon-based technologies approach their physical limits, the search for alternative computing paradigms becomes imperative. Molecular logic has emerged as a promising approach, particularly the systems based on trivalent lanthanide ions that exploit the unique photophysical properties of these ions to implement Boolean logic operations. This focus article provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, methodologies, and recent advancements in luminescence-driven molecular computing.

Luminescent Thermometer Based on a Praseodymium(iii) Cyanide-Based Metal-Organic Framework.

Trivalent lanthanide ions have emerged as promising candidates for precise and remote temperature sensing. Among them, Pr-based luminescent thermometers remain underexplored, particularly those operating in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region. This work presents the synthesis and thorough characterization of a novel Pr-based coordination polymer, {[PrPt(CN)(4,4'-bpyO)(HO)]·4HO} (), as a rare example of Pr luminescent thermometry.

Rethinking Assumptions: Assessing the Impact of Strong Magnetic Fields on Luminescence Thermometry.

Luminescence (nano)thermometry has exploded in popularity, offering a remote detection way to measure temperature across diverse fields like nanomedicine, microelectronics, catalysis, and plasmonics. A key advantage is its supposed immunity to strong electromagnetic fields, a crucial feature in many environments. However, this assumption lacks comprehensive experimental verification as most of the proposed luminescent thermometers rely on magnetic ions, such as lanthanides.

Localized three-photon upconversion enhancement in silver nanowire networks and its effect in thermal sensing.

The quest for enhancing the upconversion luminescence (UCL) efficiency of rare-earth doped materials has been a common target in nanophotonics research. Plasmonic nanoarchitectures have proven potential for amplifying UCL signals, prompting investigations into localized enhancement effects within noble metal nanostructures. In this work we investigate the localized enhancement of UCL in silver nanowire (AgNW) networks coated with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) by employing hyperspectral microscopy to unveil distinctive regions of local enhancement.

Insights into Nd to Yb Energy Transfer and Its Implications in Luminescence Thermometry.

This work challenges the conventional approach of using NdF lifetime changes for evaluating the experimental Nd → Yb energy transfer rate and efficiency. Using near-infrared (NIR) emitting Nd:Yb mixed-metal coordination polymers (CPs), synthesized via solvent-free thermal grinding, we demonstrate that the Nd [H → I] → Yb [F → F] pathway, previously overlooked, dominates energy transfer due to superior energy resonance and -level selection rule compatibility. This finding upends the conventional focus on the Nd [F → I] → Yb [F → F] transition pathway.

Morphology does not matter: WSe luminescence nanothermometry unravelled.

Transition metal dichalcogenides, including WSe, have gained significant attention as promising nanomaterials for various applications due to their unique properties. In this study, we explore the temperature-dependent photoluminescent properties of WSe nanomaterials to investigate their potential as luminescent nanothermometers. We compare the performance of WSe quantum dots and nanorods synthesized using sonication synthesis and hot injection methods.

Extending the Palette of Luminescent Primary Thermometers: Yb/Pr Co-Doped Fluoride Phosphate Glasses.

The unique tunable properties of glasses make them versatile materials for developing numerous state-of-the-art optical technologies. To design new optical glasses with tailored properties, an extensive understanding of the intricate correlation between their chemical composition and physical properties is mandatory. By harnessing this knowledge, the full potential of vitreous matrices can be unlocked, driving advancements in the field of optical sensors.

Spotlight on Luminescence Thermometry: Basics, Challenges, and Cutting-Edge Applications.

Luminescence (nano)thermometry is a remote sensing technique that relies on the temperature dependency of the luminescence features (e.g., bandshape, peak energy or intensity, and excited state lifetimes and risetimes) of a phosphor to measure temperature.

Exploring the intra-4f and the bright white light upconversion emissions of GdO:Yb,Er-based materials for thermometry.

Upconversion broadband white light emission driven by low-power near-infrared (NIR) lasers has been reported for many materials, but the mechanisms and effects related to this phenomenon remain unclear. Herein, we investigate the origin of laser-induced continuous white light emission in synthesized nanoparticles (GdYbEr)O and a mechanical mixture of commercial oxides with the same composition 89% GdO, 10% YbO, and 1% ErO. We report their photophysical features with respect to sample compactness, laser irradiation (wavelength, power density, excitation cycles), pressure, temperature, and temporal dynamics.

Lanthanide-based logic: a venture for the future of molecular computing.

Managing the continuous and fast-growing volume of information, the progress in the Internet-of-Things, and the evolution from digitalization to networking are huge technological chores. Si-based integrated chips face increasing demands as they strive to meet these challenges. However, there is growing recognition that information processing and computing based on molecules performing logic operations may play a decisive role in shaping the future of the computer industry.

Local Temperature Increments and Induced Cell Death in Intracellular Magnetic Hyperthermia.

The generation of temperature gradients on nanoparticles heated externally by a magnetic field is crucially important in magnetic hyperthermia therapy. But the intrinsic low heating power of magnetic nanoparticles, at the conditions allowed for human use, is a limitation that restricts the general implementation of the technique. A promising alternative is local intracellular hyperthermia, whereby cell death (by apoptosis, necroptosis, or other mechanisms) is attained by small amounts of heat generated at thermosensitive intracellular sites.

Hexagonal-phase NaREF upconversion nanocrystals: the matter of crystal structure.

The hexagonal-phase (β) of NaREF upconversion nanocrystals (RE = rare earth elements) has been widely employed because of the outstanding luminescence performance, yet less is known about the essence of this superior property. The current understanding of this issue is raised from the advantage of weak electron-vibration interactions in fluoride systems, while the interpretability of this statement is controversial and contradictory results are commonly reported. One feasible way to solve this puzzle is from the aspect of "structure-property" relationship, yet even after decades of investigation, the structural details of β-NaREF are still under debate.

Controlling the thermal switching in upconverting nanoparticles through surface chemistry.

Photon upconversion taking place in small rare-earth-doped nanoparticles has been recently observed to be thermally modulated in an anomalous manner, showing thermal enhancement of the emission intensity. This effect was proved to be linked to the role of adsorbed water molecules as surface quenchers. The surface capping of the particles has a direct influence on the thermal dynamics of water adsorption and desorption, and therefore on the optical properties.

Multimodal Tuning of Synaptic Plasticity Using Persistent Luminescent Memitters.

Mimicking memory processes, including encoding, storing, and retrieving information, is critical for neuromorphic computing and artificial intelligence. Synaptic behavior simulations through electronic, magnetic, or photonic devices based on metal oxides, 2D materials, molecular complex and phase change materials, represent important strategies for performing computational tasks with enhanced power efficiency. Here, a special class of memristive materials based on persistent luminescent memitters (termed as a portmanteau of "memory" and "emitter") with optical characteristics closely resembling those of biological synapses is reported.

Thermal enhancement of upconversion emission in nanocrystals: a comprehensive summary.

Luminescence thermal stability is a major figure of merit of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles playing an essential role in determining their potential applications in advanced optics. Unfortunately, considering the intensification of multiple electron-vibration interactions as temperature increases, luminescence thermal quenching of lanthanide-doped materials is generally considered to be inevitable. Recently, the emergence of thermally enhanced upconversion luminescence in lanthanide-doped nanoparticles seemed to challenge this stereotype, and the research on this topic rapidly aroused wide attention.

Inert Shell Effect on the Quantum Yield of Neodymium-Doped Near-Infrared Nanoparticles: The Necessary Shield in an Aqueous Dispersion.

Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles (LnNPs) are versatile near-infrared (NIR) emitting nanoprobes that have led to their growing interest for use in biomedicine-related imaging. Toward the brightest LnNPs, high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) values are attained by implementing core/shell engineering, particularly with an optically inert shell. In this work, a thorough investigation is performed to quantify how an outer inert shell maintains the PLQY of Nd-doped LnNPs dispersed in an aqueous environment.

Exploring Single-Nanoparticle Dynamics at High Temperature by Optical Tweezers.

The experimental determination of the velocity of a colloidal nanoparticle () has recently became a hot topic. The thermal dependence of is still left to be explored although it is a valuable source of information allowing, for instance, the discernment between ballistic and diffusive regimes. Optical tweezers (OTs) constitute a tool especially useful for the experimental determination of although they have only been capable of determining it at room temperature.

Real-Time Intracellular Temperature Imaging Using Lanthanide-Bearing Polymeric Micelles.

Measurement of thermogenesis in individual cells is a remarkable challenge due to the complexity of the biochemical environment (such as pH and ionic strength) and to the rapid and yet not well-understood heat transfer mechanisms throughout the cell. Here, we present a unique system for intracellular temperature mapping in a fluorescence microscope (uncertainty of 0.2 K) using rationally designed luminescent Ln-bearing polymeric micellar probes (Ln = Sm, Eu) incubated in breast cancer MDA-MB468 cells.

Decoding a Percolation Phase Transition of Water at ∼330 K with a Nanoparticle Ruler.

Liquid water, despite its simple molecular structure, remains one of the most fascinating and complex substances. Most notably, many questions continue to exist regarding the phase transitions and anomalous properties of water, which are subtle to observe experimentally. Here, we report a sharp transition in water at 330 K unveiled through experimental measurements of the instantaneous Brownian velocity of NaYF:Yb/Er upconversion nanoparticles in water.