Upconversion optical nanomaterials applied for photocatalysis and photovoltaics: Recent advances and perspectives

doi:10.1007/s11706-019-0482-z

Front. Mater. Sci.

2019, Vol. 13

Issue (4) : 335-341 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11706-019-0482-z

MINI-REVIEW

Upconversion optical nanomaterials applied for photocatalysis and photovoltaics: Recent advances and perspectives

Timur Sh. ATABAEV(

), Anara MOLKENOVA

Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan

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Abstract

Upconversion (UC) lanthanide nanomaterials have attracted enormous attention in the last two decades thanks to their unique ability to convert low-energy infrared photons into high-energy photons. In this mini-review, we briefly discussed the recent achievements related to the direct utilization of UC optical nanomaterials for photocatalysis and photovoltaic applications. In particular, selected examples of UC-containing devices/nanocomposites with improved performance were covered. In addition, we outlined some challenges and future trends associated with the widespread usage of UC nanomaterials.

Keywords upconversion process nanoparticle luminescence photocatalysis photovoltaics

Corresponding Author(s): Timur Sh. ATABAEV

Online First Date: 15 November 2019 Issue Date: 04 December 2019

Cite this article:

Timur Sh. ATABAEV,Anara MOLKENOVA. Upconversion optical nanomaterials applied for photocatalysis and photovoltaics: Recent advances and perspectives[J]. Front. Mater. Sci., 2019, 13(4): 335-341.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/foms/EN/10.1007/s11706-019-0482-z
https://academic.hep.com.cn/foms/EN/Y2019/V13/I4/335

Fig.1 UC processes in (a) NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ and (b) NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ nanophosphors under 976 nm excitation. Solid, dotted and wavy arrows indicate the absorption or emission, energy transfer and relaxation processes, respectively. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [⁹].

Fig.2 (a) Digital images of UC emission from Gd₂O₃:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺, Gd₂O₃:Yb³⁺/Ho³⁺ and Gd₂O₃:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺. (b) Corresponding UC emission curves measured at room temperature. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [¹⁰].

Fig.3 (a) Synthesis procedure and (b)(c)(d) TEM+ HRTEM images of NYF@TiO₂–Au photocatalyst. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [³¹].

Fig.4 A proposed enhancement mechanism based on UC materials. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [³⁸].

Fig.5 (a) Cross-sectional image of PSCs and (b) corresponding J–V characteristics. Position of UC nanoparticles denoted as UCNPs. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [⁴⁹].

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