About Us

Our main scientific area is related to nanoparticle design, synthesis, and physicochemical characterization based on inorganic matrices doped with lanthanide ions. However, this is not all. We can also prepare and characterize the macromolecules of lanthanide ions’ complexes and systems showing chemi- and electroluminescence phenomena.

We know how to synthesize down-converting/down-shifting and up-converting nanoparticles, including nanoparticles activated under radiation from the second (1000-1350 nm) and third biological window (1550 -1870 nm). We also design and prepare nanoparticles showing dual-mode emission under UV (200-450 nm) and NIR radiation (800-1000 nm) used in such areas as anti-counterfeiting systems. We also work on nanoparticle surface modification with organic molecules to improve their biocompatibility and the preparation and stabilization of luminescent nanocolloids. Finally, we can design and synthesize bifunctional luminescent-plasmonic and luminescent-magnetic nanoparticles.

Our laboratory is well-equipped, which allows for various methods of synthesis, including hydro- and solvothermal processes (high-pressure and high-temperature autoclaves), precipitation in high-boiling solvents (Schlenk line), sol-gel Pechini method (high-temperature and tube furnaces), co-precipitation and micro-emulsion ways of materials production.

The Department of Rare Earths has a laboratory equipped with advanced lasers systems and other devices for spectroscopic/optical measurements, which enable to characterize materials based on absorption, excitation, and emission spectra (200- 1700 nm), luminescence lifetimes and emission quantum yields. In our laboratories, there are also possible experiments related to the high-pressure and temperature-dependent luminescence and optical detection of phase transitions under pressure. The measurements can be conducted both at room and liquid nitrogen temperatures.

Our skills enable us to provide studies related to the structural characterization of the synthesized materials with X-ray diffractions, IR – absorption spectra, DLS, potential Zeta techniques, and SEM and TEM images.

We produce nanoparticles applicable in biomedicine, bioimaging, temperature, and pressure sensing. Other fields and possible applications include anti-counterfeit markers based on magnetic/luminescent cellulose microfibers, paper, and ink formation; light-emitting diodes – LEDs production; plasmonic surface enhancement; solar cells; and many others. We have recently been involved in obtaining luminescently labeled nano and microplastics for use in toxicity studies.