Cucurbit[n]uril-capped upconversion nanoparticles as highly emissive scaffolds for energy acceptors

Abstract

Spontaneous adsorption of cucurbit[n]uril CB[n] (n = 6, 7, and 8) on the surface of naked upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), in particular, NaYF₄:Er³⁺(2%),Yb³⁺(18%) gave rise to UCNP@CB[n] exclusion complexes. These complexes proved to be highly stable as well as highly emissive under near-infrared excitation. By using two tricyclic basic dyes (specifically, methylene blue and pyronin Y) as a proof of concept, we demonstrate that the UCNP@CB[n] (n = 6, 7) nanohybrids can form exclusion complexes with this type of dyes via the CB carbonyl free portal, i.e., UCNP@CB@dye hybrids, thus making it possible to locate a high concentration of the dyes close to the UCNP and, consequently, leading to efficient energy transfer from the UCNP to the dye.