Upconversion photonics in solvothermal Sr2YbF7:Tm3+@Sr2YF7 core-shell nanocrystals for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of pollutants

Spectral conversion of light is an emerging route for enhancing the efficiency of solar energy harvesting schemes. We present high intense UV-blue up-conversion emissions in Sr2YbF7:Tm3+@Sr2YF7 core-shell nanocrystals successfully obtained by solvothermal method. Photocatalytic degradation of organic dye methylene blue (MB), as a pollutant model, has been successfully achieved under NIR radiation, by means of upconversion luminescence coming from core-shell nanocrystals. Thus, we probe a solely upconversion photonic effect to degrade the organic pollutant, converting the incident NIR radiation before its interaction with titanium dioxide photocatalyst.

Automated summary

Spectral conversion of light offers a promising approach for improving solar energy efficiency. High intense UV-blue up-conversion emissions in core-shell nanocrystals have been successfully utilized for the photodegradation of organic dye under NIR radiation, showcasing a solely upconversion photonic effect for converting incident NIR radiation before interaction with photocatalyst.