Fabrication of NaYF(4):Yb(3+),Tm(3+)-modified Ag nanocubes with upconversion luminescence and photothermal conversion properties

Herein, uniform Ag nanocube@NaYF(4):Yb(3+),Tm(3+) multifunctional nanocomposites were constructed by a facile synthetic strategy. Following the successful synthesis of Ag nanocubes, cubic phase NaYF(4):Yb(3+),Tm(3+) upconversion luminescent nanocrystals were modified on the surface of the Ag nanocubes, enhanced the mutual assistance of energy and versatility of the materials. Upon irradiation with a near-infrared laser, the nanocomposites exhibited excellent upconversion fluorescence and good photothermal conversion capability. Furthermore, the potential biological applications and biosafety of the Ag@NaYF(4):Yb(3+),Tm(3+) nanocomposites were also demonstrated; the obtained nanocomposites could achieve a good bactericidal performance and photothermal treatment of cancer cells, and they could be potentially applied in the biomedical field as a promising agent. Furthermore, this method provides a facile approach for synthesizing a multifunctional nanocomposite with different properties.