Near-infrared triggered generation of reactive oxygen species from upconverting nanoparticles decorated with an organoiridium complex

Abstract

nanoparticles, which are capable of producing strong UV emissions, following excitation at 980 nm, through a multiphoton process known as upconversion. When appropriately surface functionalized with an organoiridium complex, excitation at 980 nm produces a strong UV emission, which is absorbed by the organoiridium molecules on the surface, in turn generating reactive oxygen species. Moreover, the effect of the organoiridium concentration on the surface of the upconverting nanoparticles as well as the nature of the sensitization process is discussed.