NIR emitting GdVO4:Nd nanoparticles for bioimaging: The role of the synthetic pathway

• The synthesis of GdVO 4 :Nd nanoparticles is performed using wet chemical methods, and compared to micron-size particles. Luminescence decay times are sufficiently long allow time-gated in vivo bio-imaging, avoiding tissue autofluorescence. Nd-doped uniquely suited for deep-tissue imaging. (GdVO :Nd) represents a promising candidate among near-infrared emitting (NPs) bioimaging owing its non-damaging, non-heating excitation wavelength provided by cheap lasers. should guarantee precise control over NPs dimensions along with optimized luminescence properties. Here, we carried out the first time systematic study synthetic routes: simple co-precipitation was colloidal, reverse micelles sonochemical methods. were characterized their structural, morphological, spectral lifetime properties, also respect micrometric reference prepared solid state reaction. All showed high crystallinity, spindle-like morphology smaller than 150 nm. procedure plays crucial role on sample purity crystallite size, leading notable differences emission intensity decay. colloidal syntheses led particles suitable intensity. optimal dopant content found be close 2%, order avoid concentration quenching effects. lifetimes nanosized samples enough counter autofluorescence applications.