Exploring the influence of polymeric and non-polymeric materials in synthesis and functionalization of luminescent lanthanide nanomaterials

The efficient utilization of the photosensitive rare-earth (RE3+/Ln3+) NPs in several fields, such as biosensing, biomarkers, bioimaging, theragnostic, thermometry, anticounterfeiting, fingermark detection, environmental monitoring, photocatalysis, security ink, emitting diodes, and dye-sensitized solar energy, is depending upon their design. In order to get more efficient luminescent Ln3+-NPs controlled morphology and size are the most significant factors. In this review, we summarized a wide-ranging exploration of the polymeric materials, surfactants, capping agents, ligands/chelating/complexing agents employed as a surfactant to control the growth of nucleus, surface functionality, colloidal dispersibility in polar and nonpolar media. The functionality and colloidal persistence of the nanostructures are highly dependent on the surfactant selection, whereas the morphology and dimension of the core Ln3+ NPs determine its photophysical characteristics. Surface-attached organic moieties either polymeric materials, coating agents, or ligands not only facilitate in controlling analogous shape & size but also assist in aqueous or non-aqueous dispersibility, biocompatibility, hydrodynamically of the as-prepared Ln3+ NPs. However, surfaces covered with organic or high vibrational functional groups/molecules are the main drawback in suppressing the emission efficiency of the Ln3+-NPs. Therefore, before the synthesis of the luminescent Ln3+-NPs selection of the chelating ligands or long-chain hydrocarbons/surfactants is important to control these two contradictory features of the luminescent Ln3+-NPs for efficient use in clinical sciences. Additionally, it concludes with an overview of recent progress in surfactants, long alkyl chain hydrocarbons, chelating ligands, and coating agents highlighting their significance in upcoming prospects and trials in advancing the field. The burgeoning progress of active luminescent Ln3+ nanostructures paves the way for their application in therapeutic, biotechnological, and materials science research, charting new paths for future exploration.