Photon Upconversion Nanomaterials

This book introduces the latest advances made in both fundamental studies and potential applications of upconversion nanomaterials, particularly in the field of high-resolution in vitro bioanalysis and in vivo imaging. This book starts with the synthesis and characterization, and focuses on applications ranging from materials science to biology. Above all, it describes cutting-edge advances in upconversion nanophosphor (UCNP)-based applications in multiplexed encoding, guest delivery and release systems, photodynamic therapy (PDT), solar cells, photocatalysis and so on. The major barriers that currently prevent UCNPs from being used in mainstream applications are also presented in detail.

Prof. Fan Zhang received his PhD in 2008 from Fudan University. Following more than 2 years’ postdoctoral research work (2008-2010) at the University of California at Santa Barbara, he joined the Chemistry Department of Fudan University as a professor in 2010. His research interests are luminescent multifunctional nanostructured materials and mesoporous materials for applications in biomedical analysis, drug delivery and cancer therapy. He has received several awards such as The National Outstanding Youth Fund (2013), New Century Excellent Talents of Ministry of Education, P. R. China (2013), Shanghai Science and Technology Progress Award (2014) and Shanghai Rising-Star Program of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (2012). Prof. Zhang has authored a number of book chapters, and more than 80 peer-reviewed research papers in prestigious international journals i.e. J. Am. Chem. Soc., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., Nano Lett, Adv. Mater., ACS Nano, Small, Chemistry of Materials, Analytical Chemistry and Chemistry-A Europe Journal etc. He also holds several patents.