Novel lanthanide-based approaches for bioimaging and energy conversion technologies

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Lanthanide (Ln)-based materials are known for their optical properties, such as the upconversion (UPC) process (emission of UV/VIS light under near-infrared (NIR) excitation) and the emission of lower energy NIR light under higher energy NIR light excitation. Motivated by this, the overarching goal of the proposed research program is to develop Ln-nanophosphors as multifunctional nanocarriers for NIR-based bioimaging and energy conversion technologies, thereby addressing global challenges including societal health and energy concerns. In the context of bioimaging, NIR light is gaining interest due to its deeper penetration into biological tissue than UV/VIS light. Yet, there is still a need in innovative biocompatible NIR probes for high-resolution optical bioimaging beyond the millimetre range. Regarding energy concerns, upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been suggested for application in photocatalysis or photovoltaics. Yet, the low quantum yield of the UPC process is a major limitation restricting their use as attractive solar energy converters. Over the next five years, this research program, which combines materials science, chemistry, physics and biological aspects, will contribute to overcoming these obstacles. We will focus on three main themes, each with its own NIR- or UPC-related facets: 1. Development of Ln-nanophosphors as multifunctional carriers. Innovative Ln-nanophosphors for bioimaging and energy conversion will be synthesized by bottom-up chemical approaches. Size and morphology control is of vital importance for optimized optical properties. Spectral profiles will further be tuned by variation of the dopant-matrix pairs, co-dopants, and dopant concentrations. 2. Implementation into biological systems. Seeking to develop new bioprobes, the implementation of Ln-nanophosphors in biological systems and the assessment of toxicity and nano-bio-interactions are of great importance, which will be addressed by in vitro/ex vivo NIR spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging studies. 3. Ln-nanophosphors for energy applications. We will synthesize and apply upconverters to harvest sub-band gap photons in order to expand the usable solar range for application in solar technologies. This research program, focused on the design of novel nanophosphors with optimized NIR and UPC emission, biocompatibility and application-oriented surface modification, perfectly aligns with the Materials priority of uOttawa's Strategic Research Plan and complements ongoing and future efforts in uOttawa's growing Materials Cluster. HQP will gain valuable knowledge applicable to careers in materials synthesis, spectroscopy, bioimaging, and energy conversion technologies. The novel Ln-nanophosphors will provide short to middle term application opportunities in (bio)nanotechnology, photonics, and energy; greatly benefiting the Canadian economy.