NIR-I Excitable and NIR-II Emissive Cr, Yb, Co-Doped Cs2NaScCl6 Double Perovskite Halides for Biodetection

Abstract

Lanthanide doping has been instrumental in tuning the emissions of double perovskite halides (DPHs) into the near-infrared (NIR) region. However, the limited penetration depth of UV excitation and typically low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of these materials restrict their utility in biomedical applications. In this paper, Cr³⁺-doped lead-free DPHs (Cs₂NaScCl₆:Cr³⁺) have been explored, featuring a broadband NIR emission spanning 800–1300 nm and an impressive PLQY of 76.9%. Oriented toward biological applications, we employ Yb³⁺ as a codopant to be introduced into Cs₂NaScCl₆:Cr³⁺. The novel Cs₂NaScCl₆:Cr³⁺,Yb³⁺ crystal powder displays a red-shifted emission (peaking at 995 nm) with a remarkably narrower full width at half-maximum (fwhm) of 51 nm. Importantly, the efficient energy transfer between Cr³⁺ and Yb³⁺ enables Cs₂NaScCl₆:Cr³⁺,Yb³⁺ to maintain a PLQY of 46.1% upon 780 nm excitation. Leveraging its NIR-I excitable and NIR-II emissive properties, Cs₂NaScCl₆:Cr³⁺,Yb³⁺ presents great potential in biodetection and bioimaging applications. Its superior energy transfer efficiency, high PLQY, and favorable spectral characteristics position this material as a promising candidate for advanced biomedical techniques requiring deep tissue penetration and high imaging contrast.