Lanthanide doped upconverting colloidal CaF2 nanoparticles prepared by a single-step hydrothermal method: toward efficient materials with near infrared-to-near infrared upconversion emission

Colloidal Er(3+)/Yb(3+), Tm(3+)/Yb(3+) and Ho(3+)/Yb(3+) doped CaF(2) nanoparticles have been prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal procedure and their upconversion properties have been investigated.     

Controlled synthesis and optical spectroscopy of lanthanide-doped KLaF₄ nanocrystals

KLaF(4), as a good host matrix for trivalent lanthanide (Ln(3+)) ions to fabricate upconversion (UC) or downconversion (DC) phosphors, has been rarely reported. Herein, monodisperse (～10 nm) cubic-phase Ln(3+)-doped KLaF(4) nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized via a facile thermal decomposition method. Upon excitation at 980 nm, UC luminescence properties of KLaF(4):Ln(3+)/Yb(3+) (Ln = Tm, Ho, Er) NCs were comprehensively surveyed. Particularly, after coating an inert KLaF(4) shell, the green and red UC luminescence intensity of KLaF(4):Er(3+)/Yb(3+) NCs was enhanced ～35 times, and the corresponding UC lifetimes of (4)S(3/2) and (4)F(9/2) levels of Er(3+) were observed significantly prolonged from 42 and 68 μs in core-only NCs to 87 and 136 μs in core/shell counterparts. Furthermore, intense DC luminescence was also achieved in Ce(3+)/Tb(3+) and Eu(3+) doped KLaF(4) NCs, with absolute quantum yields of 39.8% (Tb(3+)) and 17.3% (Eu(3+)). The luminescence lifetimes of (5)D(0) (Eu(3+)) and (5)D(4) (Tb(3+)) were determined to be 4.2 and 4.7 ms, respectively. Water-soluble Ln(3+)-doped KLaF(4) NCs featuring excellent monodispersion, long luminescence lifetime, and high UC/DC efficiency may have versatile and promising applications as luminescent nano-biolabels.     

Spectroscopic Properties and Energy Transfer Mechanism of Er^3＋/Yb^3＋/Ce^3＋ Codoped Tellurite-based Glasses

为进一步揭示多稀土离子共掺低声子能量玻璃中Er3＋的光谱特性及其发光机理,采用高温熔融法制备了Er3＋/Yb3＋/Ce3＋共掺组分为（72.5–x）TeO2–20ZnO–5La2O3–0.5Er2O3–2Yb2O3–xCe2O3（x=0,0.4,0.7,1.0,摩尔分数x%）的碲酸盐玻璃,通过测量吸收光谱、荧光光谱和无掺杂样品的Raman光谱,以及计算相应能级间的吸收截面和受激发射截面,研究并分析了Yb3＋和Ce3＋离子掺杂对于Er3＋的1.55μm波段荧光特性的影响。结果显示：Yb3＋和Ce3＋的引入能显著增强975nm泵浦下Er3＋的1.55μm波段荧光强度。分析表明：Er3＋在1.55μm波段荧光强度的增强主要归结于Yb3＋/Yb3＋、Yb3＋/Er3＋离子间的共振能量传递过程以及基于单声子和双声子辅助的Er3＋/Ce3＋离子间的能量传递过程,并通过计算得到了相应稀土离子间的能量传递微观参数和声子所作的贡献比。     

Lanthanide-doped nanocrystals: synthesis, optical-magnetic properties, and applications

Because of the potential applications of lanthanide-doped nanocrystals in display devices, optical communication, solid-state lasers, catalysis, and biological labeling, the controlled synthesis of these new nanomaterials has sparked considerable interest. Nanosized phosphorescent or optoelectronic devices usually exhibit novel properties, depending on their structures, shapes, and sizes, such as tunable wavelengths, rapid responses, and high efficiencies. Thus, the development of facile synthetic methods towards high-quality lanthanide-doped nanocrystals with uniform size and shape appears to be of key importance both for the exploration of their materials properties and for potential applications. This Account focuses on the recent development in our laboratory of the synthesis and applications of lanthanide-doped nanocrystals. Since 2005, when we proposed a general strategy for nanocrystal synthesis via a liquid-solid-solution process, a range of monodisperse and colloidal lanthanide-doped fluoride, oxide, hydroxide, orthovanadate, thiooxide, borate, and phosphate nanocrystals have been successfully prepared. By rationally tuning the reaction conditions, we have readily synthesized nanostructures, such as hollow microspheres, nanorods, nanowires, hexagonal nanoplates, and nanobelts. By adjusting the different colloidal nanocrystal mixtures, we fabricated unique binary nanostructures with novel dual-mode luminescence properties through a facile ultrasonic method. By tridoping with lanthanide ions that had different electronic structures, we successfully achieved β-NaYF(4) nanorods that were paramagnetic with tuned upconversion luminescence. We have also used NaYF(4):Yb(3+)/Er(3+) conbined with magnetite nanoparticles as a sensitive detection system for DNA: NaYF(4):Yb(3+)/Er(3+) and Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles were modified with two different DNA sequences. Then, the modified NaYF(4):Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanoparticles were conjugated to the modified Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles. These binary nanoparticles can be hybridized with a third DNA (target DNA) molecule and separated with the assistance of a magnetic field. In addition, a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) method for nonenzymatic glucose determination has been developed by using the glucose-modified LaF(3):Ce(3+)/Tb(3+) nanocrystals. By using bioconjugated NaYF(4):Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanoparticles as the energy donor and bioconjugated gold nanoparticles as the energy acceptor, we successfully developed a simple and sensitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor for avidin. Meanwhile, we also carried out preliminary studies to investigate possible applications of lanthanide-doped nanocrystals in catalysis and in dye-sensitized solar cells.     

铒/镱共掺硼酸钙镧晶体的生长和光谱性质

在CaO-Li2O-B2O3助熔体系中,生长了掺铒和镱的硼酸钙镧(Er3 :Yb3 :La2CaB10O19,Er:Yb:LCB)晶体.Er:Yb:LCB晶体中Er3 ,Yb3 的分凝系数分别为0.50,0.25.X射线衍射分析表明:Er:Yb:LCB和LCB具有相同的晶体结构.Er:Yb:LCB晶体的熔点大约为1046℃.Er:Yb:LCB晶体的吸收光谱和荧光光谱的测试结果表明:与Er:LCB相比,Er:Yb:LCB晶体在970 nm的吸收系数显著提高,在1 531 nm的发射强度也显著增强,其荧光寿命为0.48 ms.     

Color-tunable up-conversion luminescence of Zn(AlxGa1-x)2O4:Yb3+,Tm3+,Er3+ powders

Color-tunable up-conversion powder phosphors Zn(Al_xGa_1-x)₂O₄: Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺,Er³⁺ were synthesized via high temperature solid-state reaction. Also, the morphological and structural characterization, up-conversion luminescent properties were all investigated in this paper. In brief, under the excitation of a 980?nm laser, all powders have same emission peaks containing blue emission at 477?nm (attributed to ¹G₄→³H₆ transition of Tm³⁺ ions), green emission at 526?nm and 549?nm (attributed to ²H_11/2→ ⁴I_15/2 and ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺ ions respectively), red emission at about 659?nm and 694?nm (attributed to ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺ ions and ³F₃→³H₆ transition of Tm³⁺ ions, respectively), which are not changed after the doping of Al³⁺ ions. However, the doping of Al³⁺ ions can enhance the up-conversion luminescent intensity and efficiency, while the emission color of as-prepared powder phosphors can be tunable by controlling the doping amount of Al³⁺ ions. Taking Zn(Al_0.5Ga_0.5)₂O₄:Yb,Tm,Er as the cut-off value, the emissions have clear blue-shift firstly and then show obvious red-shift with the increasing doping of Al³⁺ ions. Stated thus, pink emission in ZnAl₂O₄:Yb,Tm,Er, purplish pink emission in ZnGa₂O₄:Yb,Tm,Er and Zn(Al_0.9Ga_0.1)₂O₄:Yb,Tm,Er, purple emission in Zn(Al_0.1Ga_0.9)₂O₄:Yb,Tm,Er and Zn(Al_0.3Ga_0.7)₂O₄:Yb,Tm,Er, purplish blue emission in Zn(Al_0.7Ga_0.3)₂O₄:Yb,Tm,Er, blue emission in Zn(Al_0.5Ga_0.5)₂O₄:Yb,Tm,Er can be observed, which confirm the potential applications of as-prepared Zn(Al_xGa_1-x)₂O₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺,Er³⁺ powder phosphors in luminous paint, infrared detection and so on.     

Plasmon enhanced upconversion luminescence of NaYF(4):Yb,Er@SiO(2)@Ag core-shell nanocomposites for cell imaging

NaYF(4):Yb,Er@SiO(2)@Ag core-shell nanocomposites were prepared to investigate metal-enhanced upconversion luminescence. Two sizes (15 and 30 nm) of Ag nanoparticles were used. The emission intensity of the upconversion nanocrystals was found to be strongly modulated by the presence of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on the outer shell layer of the nanocomposites. The extent of modulation depended on the separation distance between Ag NPs and upconversion nanocrystals. The optimum upconversion luminescence enhancement was observed at a separation distance of 10 nm for Ag NPs with two different sizes (15 and 30 nm). A maximum upconversion luminescence enhancement of 14.4-fold was observed when 15 nm Ag nanoparticles were used and 10.8-fold was observed when 30 nm Ag NPs were used. The separation distance dependent emission intensity is ascribed to the competition between energy transfer and enhanced radiative decay rates. The biocompatibility of the nanocomposites was significantly improved by surface modification with DNA. The biological imaging capabilities of these nanocomposites were demonstrated using B16F0 cells.     

可见光下ZrO2(Er3+)/TiO2光催化剂的性能研究

本文以氧氯化锆、氧化铒、二氧化钛等为基本原料,利用沉淀超声法合成了一种由上转换材料ZrO2(Er3+)复合TiO2的光催化剂.用荧光光谱仪测量了上转换材料在420 nm激发下的上转换发光光谱,并用紫外-可见分光光度计分析了ZrO2(Er3+)/TiO2催化剂的光催化能力.以甲基橙为降解对象,研究了在可见光下不同复合量样品的光催化活性,并与紫外光下的结果进行了对比.结果表明:上转换材料ZrO2(Er3+)复合后的光催化剂其催化性能优于二氧化钛,且很好的提高了TiO2催化剂的光谱响应范围,大大提高了可见光利用率.     

烧结温度对Er~(3+)/Yb~(3+)共掺氟氧化物粉末上转换发光的影响

采用高温固相法在600～1100 ℃范围内选择6个不同烧结温度制备了系列相同配方的Er~(3+)/Yb~(3+)共掺氟氧化物上转换发光粉末.在室温下对各样品采用波长为980 nm泵浦光激发,肉眼均可观察到峰值位于658 nm、539 nm和523 nm处的上转换红光和绿光,分别对应于Er~(3+)的~4F_(9/2)→~4I_(15/2)和~4S_(3/2)/~2H_(11/2)→~4I_(15/2)能级跃迁,且红光强度大于绿光强度.通过比较,各样品的上转换图谱形状完全相同,而红绿上转换发光强度明显不同,800 ℃烧结制得样品的红绿荧光强度最强.样品的绿色荧光强度与红色荧光强度的比值随烧结温度升高而增加.通过各样品的X射线粉末衍射图谱(XRD)分析其成分结构,发现烧结温度对样品的成分含量有较大影响.通过测量不同烧结温度下制得样品的上转换发光强度与激发功率的变化关系,发现不同烧结温度可改变样品的上转换发光机理.     

Synthesis of Li+-ion activated NaYF4: Er3+/Yb3+ phosphors via a modified solid-state process for latent fingerprint detection

Li⁺-ion codoped NaYF₄: Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ phosphors (β-NaYF₄) with a hexagonal structure were synthesized via a modified solid-state route. High-speed planetary ball milling and solid-liquid mixing were simultaneously used to overcome the drawbacks of high synthesis temperatures in conventional routes. A pure β-NaYF₄ phase was obtained through calcination at 600?°C for 3?h. Increases in the codoping content of Li⁺ ion caused a slight shift in X-ray diffraction peak positions toward high angles owing to the distortion of the local crystal field. Field emission scanning electron microscope images showed agglomerated spherical particles of approximately 0.7?µm with narrow size distribution. The upconversion properties of β-NaYF₄ codoped with Li⁺-ion were explored. Two emission bands in the green regions (520?nm and 545?nm) and one emission band in the red region (615?nm) were observed owing to the ²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2, and ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺, respectively. Codoping with 6?mol% Li⁺ increased the upconversion intensity by three times, which was explained using the energy level diagram. The present phosphors with improved upconversion properties were utilized for latent fingerprint detection on smooth surfaces of regularly used polymer sheets, glass substrates, and compact discs. Using the present phosphors, the base elements with three-level features, such as sharp ridges, valleys, ridge flow, bifurcation, ridge shapes, and dots, were observed on all hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. The prepared phosphors exhibited promising characteristics to detect the features of fingerprint impression for individual identification in forensic applications.     

液相合成β-NaLuF4:Yb3+,Er3+胶体颗粒与光学性质研究

在乙醇-水-油酸-油酸钠液相混合体系中,采用水热合成法制备了油溶性-βNaLuF4:Yb3+,Er3+胶体粒子。用X射线粉末衍射技术测定了样品的物相,结果显示,样品为纯六方相。通过透射电子显微镜和高分辨透射电子显微镜观察到样品两端为六边形纳米棒状或六棱柱状,平均尺寸为10 nm×10 nm×40 nm。用980 nm半导体激光二极管为激发光源,测定了样品的室温上转换发射谱。结果表明,样品在543 nm处出现强发射峰,对应辐射为Er3+离子从激发态4S3/2至基态4I15/2的跃迁,并通过机理分析确定发光跃迁为双光子发射。     

Dual-modal fluorescent/magnetic bioprobes based on small sized upconversion nanoparticles of amine-functionalized BaGdF5:Yb/Er

A new type of BaGdF(5):Yb/Er nanoprobe for dual-modal fluorescent and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is demonstrated. Water soluble and amine-functionalized BaGdF(5):Yb/Er nanoparticles (NPs) with average size of about 10 nm were synthesized by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method. The in vitro up-converted emission of BaGdF(5):Yb/Er NPs is observed in HeLa cells with near-infrared excitation at 980 nm and served as a fluorescent label. In addition, the cytotoxicity assay in HeLa cells shows low cell toxicity of the amine-functionalized BaGdF(5):Yb/Er NPs. Moreover, these BaGdF(5) NPs exhibit excellent intrinsic paramagnetic properties and enhanced T(1)-weighted MRI images with increased concentrations of BaGdF(5) NPs. Therefore, these results suggest that the amine-functionalized BaGdF(5) NPs with an optimized size and low cell toxicity are promising dual-modal bioprobes for optical bioimaging and MRI.     

Stannum-(II) dopant effects on morphology evolution and upconversion performance of Yb3+/Er3+:NaGdF4 crystals

Hexagonal Yb³⁺/Er³⁺:NaGdF₄ nanocrystals codoped with Sn²⁺ ions were prepared via a modulated solvothermal method. Upon introducing 25mol% Sn²⁺ ions into the host lattice by substituting Gd³⁺ ions, a portion of Yb³⁺/Er³⁺:NaGdF₄ nanocrystals was converted into nanorods. Meanwhile, the upconversion (UC) luminescence intensity of 542 nm and 652 nm were intensified by 24 and 33 times respectively, when compared with samples without Sn²⁺ ions doping. The effect of Sn²⁺ ions doping content on the morphology and UC emission performances of Yb³⁺/Er³⁺:NaGdF₄ nanocrystals were discussed in detail. The enhancement of UC luminescence intensity could be attributed to the growth of UC nanocrystals and the low crystal local symmetry around Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ ion pairs. This study may be beneficial for fabricating high-performance UC materials and realizing their practical applications.     

Dual modal in vivo imaging using upconversion luminescence and enhanced computed tomography properties

In vivo upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging, exhibiting favorable characteristics such as high photostability, no blinking, sharp emission lines, and long lifetimes, is recognized as the excellent and significant photoluminescence imaging for the future. To develop the imaging system with high visual sensitivity and tissue penetration, the functional molecules with X-ray computed tomography (CT) contrast were grafted onto upconversion nanoparticles to obtain β-NaYF(4):18% Yb(3+),2%Er(3+)@SiO(2)-I/PEG (UCNPs@SiO(2)-I/PEG) nanoprobes. These nanoprobes are water-soluble, have low cytotoxicity, and possess excellent UCL and remarkable CT contrast. Of particular note is that, besides the element iodine, rare earth elements (Y, Yb, and Er) present in the nanoprobes also show CT contrast. Moreover, no background autofluorescence signal is found in in vivo UCL images. We believe that these nanoprobes with dual modal in vivo imaging of UCL and CT can serve as a promising platform for clinical diagnosis or biomedical studies.     

Upconversion Luminescence in γ-AlON:Yb3+,Tm3+ Ceramic Phosphors

Upconversion emission properties of γ-AlON:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ phosphors were investigated under single-wavelength diode laser excitation of 980 nm. Blue (479 nm) and red (653 nm) emission bands were observed which correspond to the transitions of ¹G₄→³H₆ and ¹G₄→³F₄ of Tm³⁺ ions, respectively. The upconversion spectra show a concentration-dependent luminescence intensity, reaching its peak at a concentration of 1.2 mol% Yb and 0.5 mol% Tm. Pump power dependence of the upconversion emission intensity ( P – I ) revealed that a two-photon process was involved in the blue and red emissions.     

Er3+掺杂氧氟锗硅酸盐玻璃的频率上转换研究

研究了基质玻璃成分对Er^3 掺杂氧氟锗硅酸盐玻璃上转换光谱和Raman光谱的影响,分析了氧氟锗硅酸盐玻璃中Er^3 的上转换发光机理。结果表明：通过975nm的激光二极管激发,在室温下同时观察到强烈的绿光(529,545nm)和红光(657nm)发射,分别是由于Er^3 的。H11/2→^4I15/2,^4S3/2→^4I15/2,和^4F9/2→^4I15/2跃迁,且均为双光子吸收过程。与545nm的绿光发射相比,657nm的红光发光强度比较微弱。随GeO2浓度的增加,基质玻璃的最大声子能量下降,导致无辐射跃迁几率降低,因此绿光和红光的发光强度都增强,但是其对绿光的影响大于红光。     

(Gd,Yb,Tb)PO(4) up-conversion nanocrystals for bimodal luminescence-MR imaging

Up-conversion (Gd,Yb,Tb)PO(4) materials and their potential for bimodal imaging have received little attention in the literature. Herein, we report the first study on the up-conversion emission of (Gd,Yb,Tb)PO(4) nanocrystals synthesized via a hydrothermal method at 150 °C. These materials exhibit ultraviolet, blue and green up-conversion emissions upon excitation with a 980 nm continuous wave laser diode. The intensity of the blue-emission band at 479 nm, ascribed to the cooperative up-conversion emission of a pair of excited Yb(3+) ions, depends on the Yb(3+)/Tb(3+) concentration ratio, calcination temperature and particle size. Strong green up-conversion emission of Tb(3+) is observed at 543 nm for the (5)D(4)→(7)F(5) transition. Relaxometry measurements reveal that the nanocrystals are efficient T(2)-weighted (negative) contrast agents which, combined with visible-light emission generated by infrared excitation, affords them considerable potential for being used in bimodal, photoluminescence-magnetic resonance, imaging.     

Ultraviolet and visible upconversion in Yb/Er-CaSiO3 β-wollastonite phosphors

Wollastonite (CaSiO₃) is a well-known rock-forming mineral and an important constituent in ceramics and cement industries due to its outstanding mechanical, chemical, and thermal stabilities. Despite technological importance, functional properties such as photon upconversion in CaSiO₃ wollastonite ceramics have not been studied. In this contribution, Yb- and Er-doped CaSiO₃ (Yb/Er–CaSiO₃) wollastonite ceramics were synthesized via microwave hydrothermal technique followed up by heat-treatment in an air environment. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed the β-wollastonite (2M) phase in the synthesized samples heat-treated at 1050 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis has shown that the binding energy of Ca 2p orbitals decreases after doping, indicating a change in the crystal environment of Ca in the CaSiO₃ and hence a successful incorporation of Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺ ions in the lattice. The 980 nm excitation resulted in ultraviolet, violet and strong green and red upconversion emissions as well as downshifting infrared emissions due to the energy transfer between Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺ ions. An absolute upconversion quantum yield in the 400–800 nm range is 0.04%. The most intense phonon band was observed at 969 cm^?1 in the Yb/Er–CaSiO₃ system. This study demonstrates that the β-wollastonite can be developed as a new kind of efficient upconversion phosphor material.     

Optimization of sensitizer concentration for upconversion photoluminescence of Yb3+/Er3+: La10W22O81 nanophosphor rods

Yb³⁺/Er³⁺codoped La₁₀W₂₂O₈₁ (LWO) nanophosphor rods have been successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal assisted solid state reaction method, and their upconversion photoluminescence properties were systematically studied. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the nanophosphors have an orthorhombic structure with space group Pbcn (60). A microflowers-like morphology with irregular hexagonal nanorods was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy for the Yb³⁺(2 mol%)/Er³⁺(2 mol%):LWO nanophosphor. The shape and size of the nanophosphor and the elements along with their ionic states in the material were confirmed by TEM and XPS studies, respectively. A green upconversion emission was observed in the Er³⁺: LWO nanophosphors under 980 nm laser excitation. A significant improvement in upconversion emission has been observed in the Er³⁺: LWO nanophosphors by increasing the Er³⁺ ion concentration. A decrease in the upconversion emission occurred due to concentration quenching when the doping concentration of Er³⁺ ions was greater than 2 mol%. An optimized Er³⁺(2 mol%): LWO nanophosphor exhibited a strong near infrared emission at 1.53 μm by 980 nm excitation. The green upconversion emission of Er³⁺(2 mol%): LWO was remarkably enhanced by co-doping with Yb³⁺ ions under 980 nm excitation because of energy transfer from Yb³⁺ to Er³⁺. The naked eye observed this upconversion emission when co-doping with 2 mol% Yb³⁺. In order to obtain the high upconversion green emission, the optimized sensitizer concentration of Yb³⁺ ions was found to be 2 mol%. The upconversion emission trends were studied as a function of stimulating laser power for an optimized sample. Moreover, the NIR emission intensity has also been enhanced by co-doping with Yb³⁺ ions due to energy transfer from Yb³⁺ to Er³⁺. The energy transfer dynamics were systematically elucidated by energy level scheme. Colorimetric coordinates were determined for Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺/Er³⁺: LWO nanophosphors. The energy transfer mechanism was well explained and substantiated by several fluorescence dynamics of upconversion emission spectra and CIE coordinates. The results demonstrated that the co-doped Yb³⁺(2 mol%)/Er³⁺(2 mol%): LWO nanophosphor material is found to be a suitable candidate for the novel upconversion photonic devices.     

Au/NaYF4 : Yb,Er Binary Superparticles: Synthesis and Optical Properties

Colloidal superparticles (SPs) are nanoparticle (NP) assemblies in the form of colloidal particles. Assembling nanoscopic objects into mesoscopic or macroscopic composite architectures allows for the bottom-up fabrication of functional nanomaterials. In this study, a method for single-step self-assembly synthesis of Au/NaYF₄ : Yb,Er SPs was developed using oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsions to simultaneously encapsulate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and NaYF₄ : Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) via evaporation at room temperature. The synthesized Au/NaYF₄ : Yb,Er SPs possess good dispersibility and stability. When the number of AuNPs added is increased, the SPs exhibit decreased upconversion luminescence, which can be ascribed to the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the NaYF₄ : Yb,Er UCNPs to the AuNPs. Time-resolved measurements of the green emission further confirm the existence of a new decay route corresponding to the FRET process. Our research provides a facile and versatile strategy for the synthesis of novel multifunctional nanocomposites with tunable upconversion luminescence properties, which can be of great significance in biological applications.