Stable Upconversion Nanoparticles for Luminescent Marking and Functional Materials
Upconversion nanoparticles engineered to absorb near-infrared light and generate a detectable higher-energy luminescent signal.Covalent surface functionalisation improves ligand stability and supports incorporation into aqueous, acidic and sol-gel processing environments.
The technology is designed for luminescent authentication, functional coatings and other materials requiring durable optical functionality.
IP Status
Patented
Technology readiness
TRL 4
Category
Photochemistry
Availability
For licensing /
co-development
Overview
The technology is based on rare-earth-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), including fluoride matrices doped with ions such as Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺. Unlike conventional UCNP surface treatments based on more weakly bound ligands, the patented approach covalently attaches organic ligands to the nanoparticle surface, improving stability and facilitating integration into functional materials.
Laboratory validation includes synthesis and FTIR/XPS characterisation, stability testing in water at pH 2 for 48 hours, and incorporation into luminescent sol-gel composite materials. The asset is currently assessed at TRL 4 – laboratory validation. No industrial-scale manufacturing, product integration or market validation is documented in the evaluation.
Key advantages
- Improved surface-ligand stability through covalent functionalisation
- Compatible with aqueous and acidic processing conditions demonstrated at laboratory scale.
- Near-infrared excitation enables a distinct detectable luminescent response.
- Suitable for incorporation into sol-gel and ceramic composite materials.
- Supports functionalisation of papers, coatings, textiles and other material formats.
- Surface chemistry provides a platform for adapting UCNPs to different application environments.
Applications
- Anti-counterfeiting, authentication and traceability markers.
- Security features for paper, packaging, labels and textiles.
- Luminescent paints, coatings and functional pigments.
- Ceramic and sol-gel functional materials.
- Fluorescent markers and photosensitising systems for biological or pharmaceutical research.
- Optoelectronic and photovoltaic materials development.
Collaboration opportunities
- Industrial validation in authentication, coatings and functional-material applications.
- Co-development of application-specific nanoparticle formulations and composites.
- Scale-up and manufacturing-process assessment.
- Integration and pilot testing with industrial materials and production workflows.
- Licensing or IP collaboration subject to confirmation of existing rights and licensing arrangements.
Intellectual Property Status
Patented technology. Patent family based on WO2018002405A1 / PCT/ES2017/070474, Luminescent upconversion materials and method for preparing same. A European patent, EP3480275B1, was granted in 2020.Keywords / sectors
Upconversion nanoparticlesLuminescent materialsAnti-counterfeitingAuthenticationTraceabilityFunctional coatingsCeramic materialsNanomaterialsPhotonicsSecurity materials
Web Links
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