Photo-physical studies of ultrasmall upconversion nanoparticles embedded organometallic complexes: Probing a dual mode optical sensor for hydrogen peroxide

Here, we report an upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) embedded organomettalic complex for detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The structural as well as the optical properties of the hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) have been studies to confirm the interaction as well as energy transfer mechanism. The structural characterization confirm the weak interacting force between the UCNPs and the organic complex in HNPs. The optical studies reveal that, HNPs show characteristic optical behaviour of both the phases i.e. it gives an intense downconverted red emission under UV excitation, due to the presence of organic part (Eu3+ ion) as well as an efficient blue upconverted emission from inorganic part (Tm3+ ion) under NIR excitation. The energy transfer between the inorganic (Tm3+ ion) and the organic (Eu3+ ion) material has been observed, which confirms the effective attachment of both the phases in HNPs. The upconversion and downconversion emission properties, have been have successfully utilized for dual mode H2O2 detection. [Display omitted] •Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) embedded organomettalic complex have been synthesized.•The structural characterization confirm the weak interacting force between the UCNPs and the organic complex in HNPs.•HNPs show characteristic optical behaviour of both the phases.•The energy transfer between the inorganic (Tm3+ ion) and the organic (Eu3+ ion) material has been observed, which confirms the effective attachment of both the phases in HNPs.•The upconversion and downconversion emission properties, have been have successfully utilized for dual mode H2O2 detection.