Binary Nanoparticle Superlattices for Plasmonically Modulating Upconversion Luminescence

Engineering a facile and controllable approach to modulate the spectral properties of lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is always an ongoing challenge. Herein, long-range ordered, distinct two-dimensional (2D) binary nanoparticle superlattices (BNSLs) composed of NaREF 4 :Yb/Er (RE = Y and Gd) UCNPs and plasmonic metallic nanoparticles (Au NPs), including AB, AB 3 , and AB 13 lattices, are fabricated via a slow evaporation-driven self-assembly to achieve plasmonic modulation of upconversion luminescence (UCL). Optical measurements reveal that typical red–green UCL from UCNPs can be effectively modulated into reddish output in BNSLs, with a drastically shortened lifetime. Notably, for AB 3 - and AB 13 -type BNSLs with more proximal Au NPs around each UCNP, modified UCL with fine-structured spectral lineshape is observed. These differences could be interpreted by the interplay of collective plasmon resonance introduced by 2D periodic Au arrays and spectrally selective energy transfer between UCNPs and Au. Thus, fabricating UCNP-Au BNSLs with desired lattice parameters and NP configurations could be a promising way to tailor the UCL through controlled plasmonic modulation.