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Triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion-mediated photochemical reactions

Nature Reviews Chemistry volume 8, pages 238–255 (2024)Cite this article

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Abstract

Photon upconversion is a method for harnessing high-energy excited states from low-energy photons. Such photons, particularly in the red and near-infrared wavelength ranges, can penetrate tissue deeply and undergo less competitive absorption in coloured reaction media, enhancing the efficiency of large-scale reactions and in vivo phototherapy. Among various upconversion methodologies, the organic-based triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) stands out — demonstrating high upconversion efficiencies, requiring low excitation power densities and featuring tunable absorption and emission wavelengths. These factors contribute to improved photochemical reactions for fields such as photoredox catalysis, photoactivation, 3D printing and immunotherapy. In this Review, we explore concepts and design principles of organic TTA-UC-mediated photochemical reactions, highlighting notable advancements in the field, as well as identify challenges and propose potential solutions. This Review sheds light on the potential of organic TTA-UC to advance beyond the traditional photochemical reactions and paves the way for research in various fields and clinical applications.

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Fig. 1: Classification of triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion photochemical reactions, molecular structures and photochemical reaction mechanisms.
Fig. 2: Representative three components triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion-mediated photocatalysis and bond activation reactions.
Fig. 3: Three-component triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion-mediated photopolymerization reactions and their applications to 3D printing.
Fig. 4: Three-component triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion-mediated heterogeneous photocatalysis.
Fig. 5: Two-component triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion-mediated photoredox catalysis.
Fig. 6: Two-component triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion-mediated photopolymerization and photo-uncaging.
Fig. 7: Two-component triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion-mediated photocyclization and photoisomerization reactions.
Fig. 8: A single-component triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion-mediated photopolymerization for application in micro–nano pattern processing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, China

    Ling Huang

  2. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA

    Ling Huang & Gang Han

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  1. Ling Huang
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L.H. and G.H. conceived the idea and drafted the proposal. L.H. wrote all the content and completed all graphic tasks. G.H. edited and revised the manuscript.

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Huang, L., Han, G. Triplet–triplet annihilation photon upconversion-mediated photochemical reactions. Nat Rev Chem 8, 238–255 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-024-00585-3

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