Surface modification of different functional molecules onto NaREF_(4)(RE=rare earth)upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs)impart their multiple functionalities.Functional molecules can be loaded onto NaREF_(4) UCNPs throug...Surface modification of different functional molecules onto NaREF_(4)(RE=rare earth)upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs)impart their multiple functionalities.Functional molecules can be loaded onto NaREF_(4) UCNPs through the formation of coordination bonds between the surface-exposed RE^(3+) ions and the appropriate chemical groups of functional molecules.The density of surface RE^(3+) ions directly determines the loading efficiency of Na REF4 UCNPs.However,NaREF_(4) is a binary cation system,rendering the surface-distributed Na;and RE^(3+) ions remains a mystery.Here,we develop an effective strategy to significantly enhance the density of surface RE^(3+) ions,thus maximizing the loading capacity of NaREF_(4) UCNPs.This strategy is based on a heterovalent cation exchange(HCE)reaction in the surface region in which Na^(+)ions are replaced by RE^(3+) ions.The density of surface ligands enhances from 3.6 to 8.8 molecules/nm^(2) after reaction,suggesting that the loading efficiency increases by approximately 150%.Benefiting from the improved loading capacity,we demonstrate such surface-RE-rich nanoparticles have the ability to offer higher colloidal stability and more desirable photodynamic therapy(PDT)efficacy.This work not only advances our understanding of cation exchange reactions in RE-based nanoparticles,but also provides significant value for considerable applications such as sensing,bioimaging,and therapy.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.61805083,31801968,and 51802281)。
文摘Surface modification of different functional molecules onto NaREF_(4)(RE=rare earth)upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs)impart their multiple functionalities.Functional molecules can be loaded onto NaREF_(4) UCNPs through the formation of coordination bonds between the surface-exposed RE^(3+) ions and the appropriate chemical groups of functional molecules.The density of surface RE^(3+) ions directly determines the loading efficiency of Na REF4 UCNPs.However,NaREF_(4) is a binary cation system,rendering the surface-distributed Na;and RE^(3+) ions remains a mystery.Here,we develop an effective strategy to significantly enhance the density of surface RE^(3+) ions,thus maximizing the loading capacity of NaREF_(4) UCNPs.This strategy is based on a heterovalent cation exchange(HCE)reaction in the surface region in which Na^(+)ions are replaced by RE^(3+) ions.The density of surface ligands enhances from 3.6 to 8.8 molecules/nm^(2) after reaction,suggesting that the loading efficiency increases by approximately 150%.Benefiting from the improved loading capacity,we demonstrate such surface-RE-rich nanoparticles have the ability to offer higher colloidal stability and more desirable photodynamic therapy(PDT)efficacy.This work not only advances our understanding of cation exchange reactions in RE-based nanoparticles,but also provides significant value for considerable applications such as sensing,bioimaging,and therapy.
