Dual-functional persistent luminescent nanoparticles with enhanced persistent luminescence and photocatalytic activity

Dual-functional nanoparticles with near-infrared (NIR) persistent luminescence and sun-light photocatalytic activity are highly desired for medical diagnosis and environmental protection. Here, we report a facile one-step method for simultaneous enhancement of persistent luminescence and photocatalytic activity of the dual-functional persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs). The Bi(3+), Cr(3+) co-doped ZnGa(2)O(4) PLNPs, which were less than 10 nm in size, were synthesized by an ethylene glycol-assisted hydrothermal method. The persistent luminescence and the photocatalytic activity of the PLNPs were significantly and simultaneously improved via additional doping of Bi(3+) in ZnGa(2)O(4):Cr. The prepared dual-functional PLNPs have great potential in pollutant photo-degradation and long-term imaging in vivo.