Upconversion fluorescent nano-structured material and uses thereof

Abstract

Upconversion fluorescent nano-structured material(s) comprising at least one compound of formula (M.sub.1).sub.j(M.sub.2).sub.kX.sub.n:(M.sub.3).sub.q and at least one polymer, wherein: each X is the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of: halogen, O, S, Se, Te, N, P and As; each M.sub.1, if present, is the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of: Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, O and NH.sub.4; each M.sub.2 is the same or different and is a metal ion; each M.sub.3, independently, is the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; j is 0.ltoreq.j.ltoreq.10; k is 1.ltoreq.k.ltoreq.10; n is 1.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.10; and q is 1.ltoreq.q.ltoreq.10. In particular, the polymer is wherein the polymer soluble in polar solvents.