Open AccessNetworking State of Ytterbium Ions Probing the Origin of Luminescence Quenching and Activation in Nanocrystals
Author(s) -
Mei Sheng,
Zhou Jiajia,
Sun HongTao,
Cai Yangjian,
Sun LingDong,
Jin Dayong,
Yan ChunHua
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202003325
Subject(s) - nanocrystal , luminescence , ytterbium , materials science , chemical physics , quenching (fluorescence) , ion , molecule , nanomaterials , annealing (glass) , doping , nanotechnology , photochemistry , fluorescence , chemistry , optoelectronics , physics , quantum mechanics , composite material , organic chemistry
At the organic–inorganic interface of nanocrystals, electron‐phonon coupling plays an important but intricate role in determining the diverse properties of nanomaterials. Here, it is reported that highly doping of Yb 3+ ions within the nanocrystal host can form an energy‐migration network. The networking state Yb 3+ shows both distinct Stark splitting peak ratios and lifetime dynamics, which allows quantitative investigations of quenching and thermal activation of luminescence, as the high‐dimensional spectroscopy signatures can be correlated to the attaching and de‐attaching status of surface molecules. By in‐situ surface characterizations, it is proved that the Yb‐O coordination associated with coordinated water molecules has significantly contributed to this reversible effect. Moreover, using this approach, the prime quencher OH can be switched to CH in the wet‐chemistry annealing process, resulting in the electron‐phonon coupling probability change. This study provides the molecular level insights and dynamics of the surface dark layer of luminescent nanocrystals.