α-NaYF4:Yb:Er@AlPc(C2O3)4-Based efficient up-conversion luminophores capable to generate singlet oxygen under IR excitation

•Cubic NaYF4:Yb/Er luminophore nanopowders were precipitated from aqueous solutions.•Up-conversion luminescence energy yield luminophores of more than 4% were obtained.•Conjugation of AlPc(C2O3)4 aluminum phthalocyanine were succeeded.•Generation of singlet oxygen under IR-excitation were achieved.

Cubic NaY1 − x − yYbxEryF4 solid solutions which are capable of more than 4% up-conversion luminescence energy yields (excitation by 974 nm laser radiation; 1 W/cm2 excitation power density) have been prepared for a broad range of Yb and Er concentrations. Estimates for the up-conversion luminescence energy yields for the appropriate NaY1 − x − yYbxEryF4 solid solutions are also presented. Successful conjugation of AlPc(C2O3)4 aluminum phthalocyanine with NaY0.885Yb0.1Er0.015F4 specimen and photodynamic activity of this conjugate under laser excitation at 974 nm have also been reported.

Graphical abstractThe intensity of luminescence in the red region has decreased three times for sample after conjugation with phthalocyanine aluminum, what indicates efficient energy transfer conversion of the nanoparticles to the phthalocyanine.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide