Novel protocol for rapid evaluation of plasmonic enhancement for up-converting phosphors applied to Y2O3 doped with Er3+ and Er3+/Yb3+

A novel technique was created to quickly evaluate the impact of various ratios on the efficiency of up-conversion emission using a combination of up-conversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Four different types of Y₂O₃ UCNPs with different Er³⁺ or Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ doping, which affects the emission colour as well as the up-conversion mechanism, were prepared via the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Au NPs were produced independently using the reduction technique. Different ratios of UCNPs were mixed with the Au NPs in water. The mixed powder composites were extracted for analysis. X-ray powder diffraction was utilized to study the structure of UCNPs with and without Au NPs, while transmission electron microscopy was used to study the morphology and size of Au NPs. Absorption and up-conversion measurements were also made. The novel protocol allowed rapid evaluation of four different Y₂O₃ UCNPs of Er³⁺ and Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ doped with concentrations optimized for red and green emission over a range of Au/UCNP concentrations, which might usually be done in four separate studies. Despite the wide range of variables, only a decrease in UC emission was measured in the presence of Au NPs, suggesting that the conditions for plasmonic enhancement are limited and not easy to attain. In spite of this, in many phosphor/metal NP systems, the innovative prototyping process can enable quick assessment of possible plasmonic enhancement.