Multifunctional plataforms based on lanthanide doped nanostructured luminescent materials for potential photonic and theranostic applications

Abstract

The development of luminescent nanostructured materials doped with lanthanide ions, whether in the form of particulate material or films represents the objective of this project, specifically targeting the spectroscopic study of inorganic materials with efficient emission in the near infrared (IR) and in the visible for applications in Photonics and Theranostics. The control of the morphological and structural properties of oxides and fluorides and their correlation with optical and luminescent properties represent the academic and scientific basis of this project, aiming at applications that support the technological and innovation basis of the project in the following strategic areas: health, with development multifunctional platforms for dual application in theranostics (biomarkers and energy converters for photo-activation of molecules used in photodynamic therapy); telecommunications, with the development of optical amplifiers for telecommunications systems with broadband operation; mining and environmental: use of national mining precursors and e-waste recycling product; energy converters: development of new materials for the generation of white light and photoconversion.The materials (waveguides or particulates) will be prepared for more than one functionality, which we are calling multifunctional platforms. Original results with potential application have been previously synthesized by our research group (see results from previous projects); and this project aims to study the structural, optical and spectroscopic properties in nanocomposite films derived from SiO2 and GeO2 prepared via sol-gel for application in photonics as optical amplifiers, working in telecommunications. The project aims to develop materials with broadband emission in the near infrared (IV) region. Systems based on 1-xSiO2-xM2O5, 1-xGeO2-xM2O5 (M = Ta, Nb) and 1-xSiO2-xMO2, 1-xGeO2-xMO2 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) will be studied focusing on the optical and spectroscopic as a function of the composition and concentration of the lanthanide doping ions (Eu3 + / Er3 + / Yb3 + / Tm3 + / Nd3 + / Pr3 + / Ho3 +). The correlation between optical and structural properties will be performed depending on the composition, method of synthesis, as well as the concentration of Ln3 + ions. The co-doping of these nanocomposite systems will be carried out aiming at the study of energy transfer processes and the dynamics of the mechanisms involved, in order to obtain materials with efficient emission in the IV (broadband). The choice of the matrix containing GeO2 aims at higher transparency in the region IV and exploration of photosensitive properties for the preparation of microstructures with incidence of light.Studies on the up conversion dynamics in nanostructured oxide systems of relatively low phonon energy, and specifically tantalates, niobates, hafnates, zirconates, titanates and stannates, doped with lanthanide ions, will be continued, especially since they are compounds with high solubility of lanthanide ions. Rare earth oxides (Y2O3, Gd2O3) and rare earth fluorides will be synthesized, aiming at the optimization of systems with potential application as optical markers and as efficient energy converters, with emission in the visible and IV after excitation in the IV, in order to use the biological transparency windows and deeper layers of the human body. The luminescent particles will be conjugated to compounds of coordination of ruthenium and protoporphyrin IX, aiming at both optical marking and treatment of neoplasms using photodynamic therapy. In a later stage, the encapsulation in nanocarriers will be carried out aiming at dispersion in biological media, biocompatibility, as well as the conjugation with molecules and allowing the permeation in the blood-brain barrier. Valorization of national mining products and recycling of electronic waste will be used in alternative synthesis routes. (AU)