Overcoming thermal quenching in upconversion nanoparticles

Thermal quenching that is characterized by loss of light emission with increasing temperature is widely observed in luminescent materials including upconversion nanoparticles, causing problems in technological applications such as lighting, displays, and imaging. Because upconversion processes involve extensive intra-particle energy transfer that is temperature dependent, methods have been established to fight against thermal quenching in upconversion nanoparticles by engineering the energy transfer routes. In this minireview, we discuss the origin of thermal quenching and the role of energy transfer in thermal quenching. Accordingly, recent efforts in overcoming thermal quenching of upconversion are summarized.

Automated summary

Thermal quenching, characterized by the loss of light emission with increasing temperature in luminescent materials, poses challenges in technological applications such as lighting, displays, and imaging. By engineering energy transfer routes, methods have been established to combat thermal quenching in upconversion nanoparticles. Recent efforts in overcoming thermal quenching of upconversion are summarized in this review.