Volume 19, Issue 12 2500156
Review

Interfacial Molecular Engineering of Rare Earth-Doped Nanocrystals: Basic Principles, Construction Strategies, and Advanced Applications

Guiqiang Pu

Guiqiang Pu

Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Island Green Energy and New Materials, Institute of Electrochemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000 China

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Junnan Song

Corresponding Author

Junnan Song

Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Island Green Energy and New Materials, Institute of Electrochemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000 China

E-mail: [email protected]

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Zhenjie Cheng

Zhenjie Cheng

Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Island Green Energy and New Materials, Institute of Electrochemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000 China

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Yangmin Tang

Yangmin Tang

State Key Laboratory of High-Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050 China

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Chengbin Kang

Chengbin Kang

Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077 China

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Jiacheng Wang

Corresponding Author

Jiacheng Wang

Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Island Green Energy and New Materials, Institute of Electrochemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000 China

State Key Laboratory of High-Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050 China

E-mail: [email protected]

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First published: 23 April 2025
Citations: 4

Abstract

Interfacial molecular engineering of rare earth-doped nanocrystals (RE NCs) by incorporating surface organic emitters is receiving widespread attention in the area of functional nanomaterials. The resulting organic–inorganic nanoconjugates are able to integrate individual strengths and show exciting optical/electrical/magnetic functionalities. However, there is a shortage of systematic reviews reporting the most recent progress of interfacial molecular engineering of RE NCs. Thereby, this review presents a comprehensive and timely perspective on recent advances in interfacial molecular engineering of RE NCs. The crucial theoretical knowledge is first summarized, ranging from the luminescence mechanism of organic molecules/RE NCs to the energy transfer mechanisms at the organic–inorganic interface. Construction protocols for coupling organic molecules and RE NCs are then discussed, including chemical coordination and physical adsorption pathways. In particular, beyond traditional bio-imaging/therapy, advanced applications of RE NCs enabled by interface molecular engineering are outlined, not limited to photoexcited 3D printing, light-induced photochromism/deformation, individual micro-modification, and dynamic procedure regulation. Finally, challenges and perspectives are presented to accelerate future progress and provide research guidance for the interfacial molecular engineering of RE NCs. This review provides a deeper and broader understanding of the interfacial molecular engineering of RE NC and pushes this technology closer to practical applications.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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