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Species-related luminescence-structure relationships in europium-exchanged mesoporous material
(2009)
Europium exchanged into a mesoporous material (Zeotile-1) was extensively characterized with respect to the Si/ Al ratio and surface silylation by using time-resolved emission spectroscopy. Qualitative as well as quantitative details of the europium species-related luminescence-structure relationships were obtained and discussed such as the decay associated spectra, local distortion and structure of the bonding environment, crystal-field strength, radiative relaxation rates, and the quantum efficiency. Thus, two europium species were found in the parent as well as in the silylated materials: one species located on the internal surface and the second inside the 2-2.5 nm pores. The species located on the internal surface is characterized by photoluminescence decay times of 105 mu s <tau < 125 mu s, an asymmetry value R of 0.6 < R < 0.8, and a quantum efficiency of 2%-2.5%. Upon silylation, the photoluminescence decay times, the asymmetry values, and the quantum efficiency were increased to 160 mu s <tau < 180 mu s, 1.7 < R < 2.1, and similar to 4%, respectively. Following silylation, the number of water molecules is reduced in the first coordination shell of the europium species located on the internal surface from eight to nine to about five. On the other hand, the europium species located inside the pores showed a much longer photoluminescence decay time (460 mu s <tau < 560 mu s) and a much higher asymmetry ratio (5 < R < 6.5). The related photoluminescence efficiency was 26%-30%. An average of one up to two water molecules in the first coordination shell of the europium species located inside the pores was estimated for both parent and silylated materials.
A series of terbium- and europium-exchanged microporous-mesoporous zeolite Socony Mobil Five (MFI)-type materials such as Zeotile-1 and Zeogrid with varying Si/Al ratios was investigated using FTIR, PXRD, adsorption- desorption isotherms of N-2 at 77 K and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy. Silylation of the lanthanides-exchanged Zeotile-1 and Zeogrid with hexadecyl trimethoxysilanes via post-synthesis grafting was also studied. The results showed that the lanthanide's photoluminescence spectra and decays were modified due to silylation. The different silylation effects in Zeotile-1 and Zeogrid were correlated with the textural properties of the investigated materials. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The well-known cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as a model carrier to study drug-carrier interactions with fluorescence probes (5-hexadecanoylaminofluorescein (HAF) and 2,10-bis-(3-aminopropyloxy)dibenzo[aj]perylene-8,16-dione (NIR 628) by applying ensemble as well as single molecule fluorescence techniques. The impact of the probes on the micelle parameters (critical micelle concentration, average aggregation number, hydrodynamic radius) was investigated under physiological conditions. In the presence of additional electrolytes, such as buffer, the critical micelle concentration decreased by a factor of about 10. In contrast, no influence of the probes on the critical micelle concentration and on average aggregation number was observed. The results show that HAF does not affect the characteristics of CTAB micelles. Analyzing fluorescence correlation spectroscopy data and time-resolved anisotropy decays in terms of the "two-step" in combination with the "wobbling-in-cone" model, it was proven that HAF and NIR 628 are differently associated with the micelles. Based on ensemble and single molecule fluorescence experiments, intra- and intermicellar energy transfer process between the two dyes were probed and characterized.
Fluorescence probes consisting of well-established fluorophores in combination with rigid molecular rods based on spirane-type structures were investigated with respect to their fluorescence properties under different solvent conditions. The attachment of the dyes was accomplished by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between alkynes and azides (click' reaction) and is a prime example for a novel class of sensor constructs. Especially, the attachment of two (different) fluorophores on opposite sides of the molecular rods paves the way to new sensor systems with less bulky (compared to the conventional DNA- or protein-based concepts), nevertheless rigid spacer constructs, e.g., for FRET-based sensing applications. A detailed photophysical characterization was performed in MeOH (and in basic H2O/MeOH mixtures) for i) rod constructs containing carboxyfluorescein, ii) rod constructs containing carboxyrhodamine, iii) rod constructs containing both carboxyfluorescein and carboxyrhodamine, and iv) rod constructs containing both pyrene and perylene parts. For each dye (pair), two rod lengths with different numbers of spirane units were synthesized and investigated. The rod constructs were characterized in ensemble as well as single-molecule fluorescence experiments with respect to i) specific roddye and ii) dyedye interactions. In addition to MeOH and MeOH/NaOH, the rod constructs were also investigated in micellar systems, which were chosen as a simplified model for membranes.
We report a 1,2,3-triazol fluoroionophore for detecting Na+ that shows in vitro enhancement in the Na+-induced fluorescence intensity and decay time. The Na+-selective molecule 1 was incorporated into a hydrogel as a part of a fiber optical sensor. This sensor allows the direct determination of Na+ in the range of 1–10 mM by measuring reversible fluorescence decay time changes.
We report a 1,2,3-triazol fluoroionophore for detecting Na+ that shows in vitro enhancement in the Na+-induced fluorescence intensity and decay time. The Na+-selective molecule 1 was incorporated into a hydrogel as a part of a fiber optical sensor. This sensor allows the direct determination of Na+ in the range of 1–10 mM by measuring reversible fluorescence decay time changes.
We report a 1,2,3-triazol fluoroionophore for detecting Na+ that shows in vitro enhancement in the Na+-induced fluorescence intensity and decay time. The Na+-selective molecule 1 was incorporated into a hydrogel as a part of a fiber optical sensor. This sensor allows the direct determination of Na+ in the range of 1-10 mM by measuring reversible fluorescence decay time changes.
To determine whether Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements can provide quantitative distance information in single-molecule fluorescence experiments on polypeptides, we measured FRET efficiency distributions for donor and acceptor dyes attached to the ends of freely diffusing polyproline molecules of various lengths. The observed mean FRET efficiencies agree with those determined from ensemble lifetime measurements but differ considerably from the values expected from Forster theory, with polyproline treated as a rigid rod. At donor-acceptor distances much less than the Forster radius R-o, the observed efficiencies are lower than predicted, whereas at distances comparable to and greater than R-0, they are much higher. Two possible contributions to the former are incomplete orientational averaging during the donor lifetime and, because of the large size of the dyes, breakdown of the point-dipole approximation assumed in Forster theory. End-to-end distance distributions and correlation times obtained from Langevin molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the differences for the longer polyproline peptides can be explained by chain bending, which considerably shortens the donor-acceptor distances
Formation of a Eu(III) borate solid species from a weak Eu(III) borate complex in aqueous solution
(2014)
In the presence of polyborates (detected by 11B-NMR) the formation of a weak Eu(III) borate complex (lg β11 ∼ 2, estimated) was observed by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). This complex is a precursor for the formation of a solid Eu(III) borate species. The formation of this solid in solution was investigated by TRLFS as a function of the total boron concentration: the lower the total boron concentration, the slower is the solid formation. The solid Eu(III) borate was characterized by IR spectroscopy, powder XRD and solid-state TRLFS. The determination of the europium to boron ratio portends the existence of pentaborate units in the amorphous solid.
Formation of a Eu(III) borate solid species from a weak Eu(III) borate complex in aqueous solution
(2014)
In the presence of polyborates (detected by B-11-NMR) the formation of a weak Eu(III) borate complex (lg beta(11) similar to 2, estimated) was observed by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). This complex is a precursor for the formation of a solid Eu(III) borate species. The formation of this solid in solution was investigated by TRLFS as a function of the total boron concentration: the lower the total boron concentration, the slower is the solid formation. The solid Eu(III) borate was characterized by IR spectroscopy, powder XRD and solid-state TRLFS. The determination of the europium to boron ratio portends the existence of pentaborate units in the amorphous solid.
Here we report on photo-isomerization of azobenzene containing surfactants induced during irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) light in the presence of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) acting as mediator. The surfactant molecule consists of charged head group and hydrophobic tail with azobenzene group incorporated in alkyl chain. The azobenzene group can be reversible photo-isomerized between two states: trans- and cis- by irradiation with light of an appropriate wavelength. The trans-cis photo-isomerization is induced by UV light, while cis-trans isomerization proceeds either thermally in darkness, or can be accelerated by exposure to illumination with a longer wavelength typically in a blue/green range. We present the application of lanthanide doped UCNPs to successfully switch azobenzene containing surfactants from cis to trans conformation in bulk solution using NIR light. Using Tm-3(+) or Er-3(+) as activator ions, the UCNPs provide emissions in the spectral range of 450 nm < lambda(em) < 480 nm (for Tm-3(+), three and four photon induced emission) or 525 nm < lambda(em) < 545 nm (for Er-3(+), two photon induced emission), respectively. Especially for UCNPs containing Tm-3(+) a good overlap of the emissions with the absorption bands of the azobenzene is present. Under illumination of the surfactant solution with NIR light (lambda(ex) = 976 nm) in the presence of the Tm-3(+)-doped UCNPs, the relaxation time of cis-trans photo-isomerization was increased by almost 13 times compared to thermally induced isomerization. The influence of thermal heating due to the irradiation using NIR light was shown to be minor for solvents not absorbing in NIR spectral range (e.g. CHCl3) in contrast to water, which shows a distinct absorption in the NIR.
Ultrasound (20 kHz, 29 W. cm(-2)) is employed to form three types of erbium oxide nanoparticles in the presence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a template material in water. The nanoparticles are (i) erbium carboxioxide nanoparticles deposited on the external walls of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and Er(2)O(3) in the bulk with (ii) hexagonal and (iii) spherical geometries. Each type of ultrasonically formed nanoparticle reveals Er(3+) photoluminescence from crystal lattice. The main advantage of the erbium carboxioxide nanoparticles on the carbon nanotubes is the electromagnetic emission in the visible region, which is new and not examined up to the present date. On the other hand, the photoluminescence of hexagonal erbium oxide nanoparticles is long-lived (mu s) and enables the higher energy transition ((4)S(3/2)-(4)I(15/2)), which is not observed for spherical nanoparticles. Our work is unique because it combines for the first time spectroscopy of Er(3+) electronic transitions in the host crystal lattices of nanoparticles with the geometry established by ultrasound in aqueous solution of carbon nanotubes employed as a template material. The work can be of great interest for "green" chemistry synthesis of photoluminescent nanoparticles in water.
Site-selective emission spectra of Eu3+-doped CeO2 nanoparticles up to the D-5(0) - F-7(5) transition were recorded under cryogenic conditions to identify the local structure around the Eu3+ dopants in ceria. It is found that pretreatment conditions are crucial for the redistribution of dopants from a broad variety of environments to six well-defined lattice sites. The influence of the dopant and the host structure on the catalytic activity was investigated. A relationship between structure and reactivity is discussed. It is shown that oxygen transport is most efficient in particles with a pronounced amorphous character.
Despite the wide range of industrial applications for ceria-zirconia mixed oxides (CexZr1-xO2), the complex correlation between their atomic structure and catalytic performance is still under debate. Catalytically interesting CexZr1-xO2 nanomaterials can form homogeneous solid solutions and, depending on the composition, show phase separation under the formation of small domains. The characterization of homogeneity and atomic structure of these materials remains a major challenge. High-resolution emission spectroscopy recorded under cryogenic conditions using Eu3+ as a structural probe in doped CeZrO2 nanoparticles offers an effective way to identify the different atomic environments of the Eu3+ dopants and, subsequently, to monitor structural parameters of the ceria-zirconia mixed oxides. It is found that, in stoichiometric CeZrO2:Eu3+, phase separation occurs at elevated temperatures beginning with the gradual formation of (pseudo)cubic crystallites in the amorphous materials at 500 degrees C and a sudden phase separation into tetragonal, zirconia-rich and cubic, ceria-rich domains over 900 degrees C. The presented technique allows us to easily monitor subtle changes even in amorphous, high surface area samples, yielding structural information not accessible by conventional techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman. Moreover, in reference experiments investigating the reducibility of largely unordered Ce0.2Zr0.8O2:Eu3+, the main reduction peak in temperature-programmed reduction measurements appeared at exceptionally low temperatures below 200 degrees C, thus suggesting the outstanding potential of this oxide to activate catalytic oxidation reactions. This effect was found to be dependent on the amount of Eu3+ dopant introduced into the CeZrO2 matrix as well as to be connected to the atomic structure of the catalyst material.
In the natural environment humic substances (HS) represent a major factor determining the speciation of metal ions, e.g., in the context of radionuclide migration. Here, due to their intrinsic sensitivity and selectivity, spectroscopic methods are often applied, requiring a fundamental understanding of the photophysical processes present in such HS-metal complexes. Complexes with different metal ions were studied using 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (2HB) as a model compound representing an important part of the chelating substructures in HS. In flash photolysis experiments under direct excitation of 2HB in the absence and the presence of different lanthanide ions, the generation and the decay of the 2HB triplet state, of the phenoxy radical, and of the solvated electron were monitored. Depending on the lanthanide ion different intracomplex processes were observed for these transient species including energy migration to and photoreduction of the lanthanide ion. The complexity of the intracomplex photophysical processes even for small molecules such as 2HB underlines the necessity to step-by-step approach the photochemical reactivity of HS by using suitable model compounds.
The use of a catalyst support for the design of nanoscale heterogeneous catalysts based on cerium oxide offers vast possibilities for future catalyst development, particularly with regard to an increased focus on the use of renewable biogas and an emerging hydrogen economy. In this study, zirconia-supported ceria catalysts were synthesized, activated by using different thermochemical treatments, and characterized by way of temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), oxygen storage capacity, Xray diffraction, electron microscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy using Eu3+ as a spectroscopic probe. Through reduction-oxidation pretreatment routines, reactive pyrochlore structures were created at temperatures as low as 600 degrees C and identified through TPR and electron microscopy experiments. A structural relationship and alignment of the crystal planes is revealed in high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy experiments through the digital diffraction patterns. Low-temperature pretreatment induces the formation of reactive pyrochlore domains under retention of the surface area of the catalyst system, and no further morphological changes are detected. Furthermore, the formation of pyrochlore domains achieved through severe reduction and mild reoxidation (SRMO) treatments is reversible. Over multiple alternating SRMO and severe reduction and severe reoxidation (SRSO) treatments, europium spectroscopy and TPR results indicate that pyrochlore structures are recreated over consecutive treatments, whenever the mild oxidation step at 500 degrees C is the last treatment (SRMO, SRMO-SRSO-SRMO, etc.).
High oxygen permeable [poly(TMSP)] nanofibers incorporating porphyrin macrocycle as luminescence indicators were prepared by electrospinning technique. The porphyrins involves were modified by i) introducing phenylacetylide substituents on the para position of the phenyl moieties and ii) varying the metal centers [Pt(II) or Pd(II)] of the meso-tetrakisphenylporphyrins. A set of nanofibers; (Pt-TPP)NF, (Pd-TPP)NF, (Pt-TPA)NF and (Pd-TPA)NF were obtained to study their structure-activity relationship toward oxygen. The lifetime-based technique was privileged to take advantage of their long-lived phosphorescent properties. A two-fold enhancement was observed for (Pt-TPA)NF and (Pd-TPA)NF compared to (Pt-TPP)NF and (Pd-TPP)NF demonstrating the positive effect of the phenylacetylide moieties on the lifetime. Also, Silver nanoparticles were included in nanofibers to investigate their influence on lifetime-based oxygen sensitivity, showing that the presence of AgNPs only affects (Pd-TPA)NF.
A comprehensive molecular analysis of a simple aqueous complexing system. U(VI) acetate. selected to be independently investigated by various spectroscopic (vibrational, luminescence, X-ray absorption, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and quantum chemical methods was achieved by an international round-robin test (RRT). Twenty laboratories from six different countries with a focus on actinide or geochemical research participated and contributed to this scientific endeavor. The outcomes of this RRT were considered on two levels of complexity: first, within each technical discipline, conformities as well as discrepancies of the results and their sources were evaluated. The raw data from the different experimental approaches were found to be generally consistent. In particular, for complex setups such as accelerator-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy, the agreement between the raw data was high. By contrast, luminescence spectroscopic data turned out to be strongly related to the chosen acquisition parameters. Second, the potentials and limitations of coupling various spectroscopic and theoretical approaches for the comprehensive study of actinide molecular complexes were assessed. Previous spectroscopic data from the literature were revised and the benchmark data on the U(VI) acetate system provided an unambiguous molecular interpretation based on the correlation of spectroscopic and theoretical results. The multimethodologic approach and the conclusions drawn address not only important aspects of actinide spectroscopy but particularly general aspects of modern molecular analytical chemistry.
Co-doping of the MOF 3∞[Zn(2-methylimidazolate-4-amide-5-imidate)] (IFP-1 = Imidazolate Framework Potsdam-1) with luminescent Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions presents an approach to utilize the porosity of the MOF for the intercalation of luminescence centers and for tuning of the chromaticity to the emission of white light of the quality of a three color emitter. Organic based fluorescence processes of the MOF backbone as well as metal based luminescence of the dopants are combined to one homogenous single source emitter while retaining the MOF's porosity. The lanthanide ions Eu3+ and Tb3+ were doped in situ into IFP-1 upon formation of the MOF by intercalation into the micropores of the growing framework without a structure directing effect. Furthermore, the color point is temperature sensitive, so that a cold white light with a higher blue content is observed at 77 K and a warmer white light at room temperature (RT) due to the reduction of the organic emission at higher temperatures. The study further illustrates the dependence of the amount of luminescent ions on porosity and sorption properties of the MOF and proves the intercalation of luminescence centers into the pore system by low-temperature site selective photoluminescence spectroscopy, SEM and EDX. It also covers an investigation of the border of homogenous uptake within the MOF pores and the formation of secondary phases of lanthanide formates on the surface of the MOF. Crossing the border from a homogenous co-doping to a two-phase composite system can be beneficially used to adjust the character and warmth of the white light. This study also describes two-color emitters of the formula Ln@IFP-1a–d (Ln: Eu, Tb) by doping with just one lanthanide Eu3+ or Tb3+.
Co-doping of the MOF 3∞[Zn(2-methylimidazolate-4-amide-5-imidate)] (IFP-1 = Imidazolate Framework Potsdam-1) with luminescent Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions presents an approach to utilize the porosity of the MOF for the intercalation of luminescence centers and for tuning of the chromaticity to the emission of white light of the quality of a three color emitter. Organic based fluorescence processes of the MOF backbone as well as metal based luminescence of the dopants are combined to one homogenous single source emitter while retaining the MOF's porosity. The lanthanide ions Eu3+ and Tb3+ were doped in situ into IFP-1 upon formation of the MOF by intercalation into the micropores of the growing framework without a structure directing effect. Furthermore, the color point is temperature sensitive, so that a cold white light with a higher blue content is observed at 77 K and a warmer white light at room temperature (RT) due to the reduction of the organic emission at higher temperatures. The study further illustrates the dependence of the amount of luminescent ions on porosity and sorption properties of the MOF and proves the intercalation of luminescence centers into the pore system by low-temperature site selective photoluminescence spectroscopy, SEM and EDX. It also covers an investigation of the border of homogenous uptake within the MOF pores and the formation of secondary phases of lanthanide formates on the surface of the MOF. Crossing the border from a homogenous co-doping to a two-phase composite system can be beneficially used to adjust the character and warmth of the white light. This study also describes two-color emitters of the formula Ln@IFP-1a–d (Ln: Eu, Tb) by doping with just one lanthanide Eu3+ or Tb3+.
In order to obtain information on the number and symmetry of the different Eu3+ complexes formed with several hydroxybenzoic acids, ultra-low temperature luminescence measurements at 4.7 K were carried out. Hydroxybenzoic acids were used as simple model compounds for metal binding structures in humic substances (HS). Information on the complexes was extracted from high-resolution total luminescence spectra (TLS), which were obtained by scanning through the D-5(0) <-- F-7(0) transition of Eu(III) with a pulsed dye laser and measuring the emission in the wavelength range of the D- 5(0) --> F-7(0) and D-5(0) --> F-7(0) transitions simultaneously. By extracting the crystal field strength parameter N- v(B-2q) from the TLS, it was found that N-v(B-2q) was not directly correlated with the excitation energy. Further, the symmetry of the individual complexes formed was extracted from the experimental data. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Eu(III) luminescence spectroscopy, both in the steady-state and the time-resolved mode, is an appropriate technique to study the properties of complexes between heavy metal ions and humic substances (HS), which play a key role in the distribution of metal species in the environment. Unfortunately, room temperature luminescence spectra of Eu(III) complexes with aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids - model compounds of HS binding sites - are too broad to fully exploit their potential analytical information content. It is shown that under cryogenic conditions fluorescence-line- narrowing (FLN) is achieved, and the highly resolved spectra provide detailed information on the complexes. Ten model ligands were investigated. Total luminescence spectra (TLS) were recorded, using the D-5(0) -> F-7(0) transition for excitation and the D-5(0) -> F-7(1) and D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transitions for emission. The energy of the excitation transition depends on the ligand involved and the structure and composition of the complex. For most ligands, discontinuities in the high-resolution TLS indicated that more species, i.e. distinct complex structures, coexisted in the sample. Selective excitation was performed to measure the species-associated luminescence decay times tau. The latter strongly depend on nearby OH oscillators from coordinating water molecules or ligand hydroxyl groups. Furthermore, the asymmetry ratios r, defined as the intensity ratio of the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) and D-5(0) -> F-7(1) transitions, were calculated and the variation of the excitation energy E-exc with the splitting of the F-7(1) triplet (Delta E) was determined. which yielded the crystal field strength parameter N-nu(B-2q), as well as the crystal field parameters B-20 and B-22. An in-depth analysis of the results is presented, providing detailed information on the number of coexisting complexes, their stoichiometry, the number of water molecules in the first coordination sphere and their geometry (symmetry point group).
In ultra-low-temperature experiments at 4.7 K the luminescence of Eu(III) bound to different hydroxy- and methoxybenzoic acids and to humic substances (HS) was investigated. The benzoic acid derivatives were used as simple model compounds for common metal-binding structures in HS. The Eu(III) luminescence was directly excited by means of a pulsed dye laser, scanning through the D-5(0) -> F-7(0) transition of Eu(III) and subsequently, high-resolution total luminescence spectra (TLS) were recorded. Based on the thorough analysis of the high-resolution TLS conclusions were drawn with respect to the number of different complexes formed and to the symmetry of the complexes. The crystal-field strength parameter N-nu(B-2q) was dependent on the electrostatic forces induced by the ligands as well as on the symmetry of the complexes. The formation of thermodynamically stable complexes was found to be slow even for small model ligands such its 2-hydroxybenzoic acid. Comparison between the model compounds and HS clearly revealed that the carboxylate group is the dominant binding site in HS. Indices for the formation of chelates, e.g. similar to 2- hydroxybenzoic acid, were not found for HS.
In an area that contains high concentrations of natural organic matter, it is expected that it plays an important role on the behavior of rare earth elements (REE), like europium, and of trivalent actinides. Competitive interactions with H+, inorganic species, major cations, e.g. Ca(II) or Mg(II), could influence these metals transport and bioavailability. Competitive experiments between cations, which can bind differently to humic substances and Eu3+,will bring an improved understanding of the competitive mechanisms. The aim of this study is to acquire data for Eu(III)/Cu(II) and Eu(III)/Ca(II) competitive binding to a sedimentary originated humic acid (Gorleben, Germany). The NICA-Donnan parameters for Ca2+, Cu2+, and Eu3+ obtained from competitive binding experiments using Ca2+ or Cu2+ ion selective electrodes were used to model time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) measurements. Eu3+ and Cu2+ are in direct competition for the same type of sites,whereas Ca2+ has an indirect influence through electrostatic binding.
Characterization of competitive binding of Eu(III)/Cu(II) and Eu(III)/Ca(II) to Gorleben humic acid
(2009)
The competition between REE, alkaline earth and d-transition metals for organic matter binding sites is still an open field of research; particularly, the mechanisms governing these phenomena need to be characterized in more detail. In this study, we examine spectroscopically the mechanisms of competitive binding of Eu(III)/Cu(II) and Eu(III)/ Ca(II) pair to Gorleben humic acid (HA), as previously proposed in the framework of the NICA-Donnan model. The evolution of time-resolved laser induced luminescence spectra of humic-complexed Eu(Ill) showed two strikingly different environments for a comparable bound proportion for Cu(II) and Ca(II). Cu(II) seems to compete more effectively with Eu(III) inducing its release into the Donnan phase, and into the bulk solution as free Eu3+. This is evidenced both by the shapes of the spectra and by the decrease in the luminescence decay times. In contrast with that, Ca(II) induces a modification of the HA structure, which enhances the luminescence of humic-bound Eu(III), and causes a minor modification of the chemical environment of the complexed rare earth ion.
We present a systematic study on the properties of Na(Y,Gd)F-4-based upconverting nanoparticles (UCNP) doped with 18% Yb3+, 2% Tm3+, and the influence of Gd3+ (10-50 mol% Gd3+). UCNP were synthesized via the solvothermal method and had a range of diameters within 13 and 50 nm. Structural and photophysical changes were monitored for the UCNP samples after a 24-month incubation period in dry phase and further redispersion. Structural characterization was performed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as dynamic light scattering (DLS), and the upconversion luminescence (UCL) studies were executed at various temperatures (from 4 to 295 K) using time-resolved and steady-state spectroscopy. An increase in the hexagonal lattice phase with the increase of Gd3+ content was found, although the cubic phase was prevalent in most samples. The Tm3+-luminescence intensity as well as the Tm3+-luminescence decay times peaked at the Gd3+ concentration of 30 mol%. Although the general upconverting luminescence properties of the nanoparticles were preserved, the 24-month incubation period lead to irreversible agglomeration of the UCNP and changes in luminescence band ratios and lifetimes.
Cyanine dyes have become widely used fluorescence labels in clinical and biological chemistry. In particular, cyanine dyes with excitation wavelengths lambda(ex) > 600 nm are often used in biological applications. However, aggregation behavior and matrix effects on cyanine fluorescence are not fully understood yet and interfere with the data interpretation. In this study, we analyzed the spectroscopic characteristics of a model system consisting of the biotinylated cyanine dyes DY-635 and DY-647 and their streptavidin conjugates. On the basis of the spectroscopic data, the interaction processes between cyanine dye molecules and proteins are discussed. Binding to streptavidin had a significant influence on both fluorescence and anisotropy decays of the cyanine dyes investigated. In particular, the fluorescence anisotropy was significantly altered, making it a promising detection parameter for bioanalytical applications in connection with the cyanine dyes used in the present study. In order to evaluate the time-resolved anisotropy, the introduction of a sophisticated kinetic model was required to describe the contributions from different fluorescing species properly. The rotational motion of streptavidin-bound dyes was analyzed using the associated anisotropy model, which allowed discrimination between contributions from different microenvironments. The anisotropy decay times increased by a factor of up to 20 due to protein binding.
Complexation with dissolved humic matter can be crucial in controlling the mobility of toxic or radioactive contaminant metals. For speciation and transport modelling, a dynamic equilibrium process is commonly assumed, where association and dissociation run permanently. This is, however, questionable in view of reported observations of a growing resistance to dissociation over time. In this study, the isotope exchange principle was employed to gain direct insight into the dynamics of the complexation equilibrium, including kinetic inertisation phenomena. Terbium(III), an analogue of trivalent actinides, was used as a representative of higher-valent metals. Isotherms of binding to (flocculated) humic acid, determined by means of Tb-160 as a radiotracer, were found to be identical regardless of whether the radioisotope was introduced together with the bulk of stable Tb-159 or subsequently after pre-equilibration for up to 3 months. Consequently, there is a permanent exchange of free and humic-bound Tb since all available binding sites are occupied in the plateau region of the isotherm. The existence of a dynamic equilibrium was thus evidenced. There was no indication of an inertisation under these experimental conditions. If the small amount of Tb-160 was introduced prior to saturation with Tb-159, the expected partial desorption of Tb-160 occurred at much lower rates than observed for the equilibration process in the reverse procedure. In addition, the rates decreased with time of pre-equilibration. Inertisation phenomena are thus confined to the stronger sites of humic molecules (occupied at low metal concentrations). Analysing the time-dependent course of isotope exchange according to first-order kinetics indicated that up to 3 years are needed to attain equilibrium. Since, however, metal-humic interaction remains reversible, exchange of metals between humic carriers and mineral surfaces cannot be neglected on the long time scale to be considered in predictive transport models.
The applicability of equilibrium models for humic-bound transport of toxic or radioactive metals is affected by kinetic processes leading to an increasing inertness of metal-humic complexes. The chemical background is not yet understood. It is widely believed that bound metals undergo an in-diffusion process within the humic colloids, changing from weaker to stronger binding sites. This work is focussed on the competition effect of Al(III) on complexation of Tb(III) or Eu(III) as analogues of trivalent actinides. By using ion exchange and spectroscopic methods, their bound fractions were determined for solutions of Al and humic acid that had been pre-equilibrated for different periods of time. Whilst the amount of bound Al remained unchanged, its blocking effect was found to increase over a time frame of 2 days, which corresponds to the kinetics of the increase in complex inertness reported in most pertinent studies. Thus, the derived "diffusion theory'' turned out to be inapplicable, since it cannot explain an increase in competition for the "initial'' sites. A delayed degradation of polynuclear species (as found for Fe) does not occur. Consequently, the temporal changes must be based on structural rearrangements in the vicinity of bound Al, complicating the exchange or access. Time-dependent studies by laser fluorescence spectroscopy (steady-state and time-resolved) yielded evidence of substantial alterations, which were, however, immediately induced and did not show any significant trend on the time scale of interest, suggesting that the stabilisation process is based on comparatively moderate changes.
Point-of-care testing (POCT) systems which allow for a sensitive, quantitative detection of protein markers are extremely useful for the early detection and therapy progress monitoring of cancer. However, currently commercially available POCT devices are mainly limited to the qualitative detection of protein markers. In this study we demonstrate the successive miniaturization of a sensitive and fast assay for the quantitative detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) using a well established and clinically approved homogeneous time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay technology (TRACE (R)) on a commercial plate-reader system (KRYPTOR (R)). Regarding the initial requirements for the development of POCT devices we applied a 30-fold assay volume reduction (150 mu L to 5 mu L) to achieve a reasonable lab-on-a-chip volume and a 24-fold and 120-fold excitation pulse energy reduction to achieve reasonable pulse energies for low-cost miniature excitation sources. Due to highly efficient optimization of key POCT parameters our miniaturized PSA assay achieved a 30% increased sensitivity and a 2-fold improved limit of detection compared to the standard plate-reader method. Our results demonstrate the successful implementation of key parameters for a significant miniaturization and for cost reduction in the clinically approved KRYPTOR (R) platform for protein detection. The technological alterations required are easy-to-implement and can be immediately adapted for more than 30 diagnostic protein markers already available for the KRYPTOR (R) platform. These features strongly recommend our assay format to be utilized in innovative, sensitive, quantitative POCT of protein markers.
Upconversion NaYF4:Yb:Er nanoparticles co-doped with Gd3+ and Nd3+ for thermometry on the nanoscale
(2015)
In the present work, the upconversion luminescence properties of oleic acid capped NaYF4:Gd3+:Yb3+:Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) with pure β crystal phase and Nd3+ ions as an additional sensitizer were studied in the temperature range of 288 K < T < 328 K. The results of this study showed that the complex interplay of different mechanisms and effects, causing the special temperature behavior of the UCNP can be developed into thermometry on the nanoscale, e.g. to be applied in biological systems on a cellular level. The performance was improved by the use of Nd3+ as an additional dopant utilizing the cascade sensitization mechanism in tri-doped UCNP.
Intrinsic fluorescence quenching of humic substances (HS) and the sensitization of Ln(3+) luminescence (Ln3+ Tb3+, Eu3+) in HS complexes were investigated. Both measurements yielded complementary information on the complexation of metals by HS. Large differences between fulvic acids(FA)and humic acids (HA) were found. From time-resolved luminescence measurements it is concluded that a combination of energy transfer and energy back transfer between HS and Ln(3+) is responsible for the observed luminescence decay characteristics. In the case of Eu3+, an additional participation of charge-transfer states is suggested. A new concept for the evaluation of the sensitized luminescence decays of Ln(3+) was adapted
The fluorescence properties and the fluorescence quenching by Tb3+ of substituted benzoic acid were investigated in solution at different pH. The substituted benzoic acids were used as simple model compounds for chromophores present in humic substances (HS). It is shown that the fluorescence properties of the model compounds resemble fluorescence of HS quite well. A major factor determining the fluorescence of model compounds are proton transfer reactions in the electronically excited state. It is intriguing that the fluorescence of the model compounds was almost not quenched by Tb3+ while the HS fluorescence was decreased very effectively. From our results we concluded that proton transfer reactions as well as conformational reorientation processes play an important role in the fluorescence of HS. The luminescence of bound Tb3+ was sensitized by an energy transfer step upon excitation of the model compounds and of HS, respectively. For HS the observed sensitization was dependent on its origin indicating differences 1) in the connection between chromophores and binding sites and 2) in the energy levels of the chromophore triplet states. Hence, the observed sensitization of the Tb3+ luminescence could be useful to characterize structural differences of HS in solution. Interlanthanide energy transfer between Tb3+ and Nd3+ was used to determine the average distance R between both ions using the well-known formalism of luminescence resonance energy transfer. R was dependent on the origin of the HS reflecting the difference in structure. The value of Rmin seemed to be a unique feature of the HS. It was further found that upon variation of the pH R also changed. This demonstrates that the measurement of interlanthanide energy transfer can be used as a direct method to monitor conformational changes in HS.
Intramolecular deactivation processes in complexes of salicylic acid or glycolic acid with Eu(III)
(2010)
The complexation of Eu(III) by 2-hydroxy benzoic acid (2HB) or glycolic acid (GL) was investigated using steady- state and time-resolved laser spectroscopy. Experiments were carried out in H2O as well as in D2O in the temperature range of View the MathML source. The Eu(III) luminescence spectra and luminescence decay times were evaluated with respect to the temperature dependence of (i) the luminescence decay time ;, (ii) the energy of the View the MathML source transition, (iii) the width of the View the MathML source transition, and (iv) the asymmetry ratio calculated from the luminescence intensities of the View the MathML source and View the MathML source transition, respectively. The differences in ligand-related luminescence quenching are discussed. Based on the temperature dependence of the luminescence decay times an activation energy for the ligand-specific non-radiative deactivation in Eu(III)-2HB or Eu(III)-GL complexes was determined. It is stressed that ligand-specific quenching processes (other than OH quenching induced by water molecules) need to be determined and considered in detail, in order to extract speciation- relevant information from luminescence data (e.g., estimation of the number of water molecules nH2O in the first coordination sphere of Eu(III)). In case of 2HB, conclusions drawn from the evaluation of the Eu(III) luminescence are compared with results of a X-ray structure analysis.
Upconversion NaYF4:Yb:Er nanoparticles co-doped with Gd3+ and Nd3+ for thermometry on the nanoscale
(2015)
In the present work, the upconversion luminescence properties of oleic acid capped NaYF4:Gd3+:Yb3+:Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) with pure β crystal phase and Nd3+ ions as an additional sensitizer were studied in the temperature range of 288 K < T < 328 K. The results of this study showed that the complex interplay of different mechanisms and effects, causing the special temperature behavior of the UCNP can be developed into thermometry on the nanoscale, e.g. to be applied in biological systems on a cellular level. The performance was improved by the use of Nd3+ as an additional dopant utilizing the cascade sensitization mechanism in tri-doped UCNP.
Upconversion NaYF4:Yb:Er nanoparticles co-doped with Gd3+ and Nd3+ for thermometry on the nanoscale
(2015)
In the present work, the upconversion luminescence properties of oleic acid capped NaYF4:Gd3+:Yb3+:Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) with pure β crystal phase and Nd3+ ions as an additional sensitizer were studied in the temperature range of 288 K < T < 328 K. The results of this study showed that the complex interplay of different mechanisms and effects, causing the special temperature behavior of the UCNP can be developed into thermometry on the nanoscale, e.g. to be applied in biological systems on a cellular level. The performance was improved by the use of Nd3+ as an additional dopant utilizing the cascade sensitization mechanism in tri-doped UCNP.
NaYF4:Yb:Er nanoparticles (UCNP) were synthesized under mild experimental conditions to obtain a pure cubic lattice. Upon annealing at different temperatures up to Tan = 700 °C phase transitions to the hexagonal phase and back to the cubic phase were induced. The UCNP materials obtained for different Tan were characterized with respect to the lattice phase using standard XRD and Raman spectroscopy as well as steady state and time resolved upconversion luminescence. The standard techniques showed that for the annealing temperature range 300 °C < Tan < 600 °C the hexagonal lattice phase was dominant. For Tan < 300 °C hardly any change in the lattice phase could be deduced, whereas for Tan > 600 °C a back transfer to the α-phase was observed. Complementarily, the luminescence upconversion properties of the annealed UCNP materials were characterized in steady state and time resolved luminescence measurements. Distinct differences in the upconversion luminescence intensity, the spectral intensity distribution and the luminescence decay kinetics were found for the cubic and hexagonal lattice phases, respectively, corroborating the results of the standard analytical techniques used. In laser power dependent measurements of the upconversion luminescence intensity it was found that the green (G1, G2) and red (R) emission of Er3+ showed different effects of Tan on the number of required photons reflecting the differences in the population routes of different energy levels involved. Furthermore, the intensity ratio of Gfull/R is highly effected by the laser power only when the β-phase is present, whereas the G1/G2 intensity ratio is only slightly effected regardless of the crystal phase. Moreover, based on different upconversion luminescence kinetics characteristics of the cubic and hexagonal phase time-resolved area normalized emission spectra (TRANES) proved to be a very sensitive tool to monitor the phase transition between cubic and hexagonal phases. Based on the TRANES analysis it was possible to resolve the lattice phase transition in more detail for 200 °C < Tan < 300 °C, which was not possible with the standard techniques.