Efficient UV–Vis-NIR Responsive Upconversion and Plasmonic-Enhanced Photocatalyst Based on Lanthanide-Doped NaYF₄/SnO₂/Ag

Efficiently reclaiming the utilization of solar light in a photocatalysis system remains very challenging. By integrating full advantage of upconversion material, plasmonic metals, and narrow bandgap semiconductors, β-NaYF₄:18%Yb³⁺ and 2%Tm³⁺@SnO₂@Ag nanoparticles (denoted as NaYF₄@SnO₂@Ag NPs) are designed and successfully synthesized as a wide-spectral (UV–vis-NIR) responsive upconversion and plasmonic-enhanced photocatalyst. The as-obtained NaYF₄@SnO₂@Ag NPs present broadband optical absorption dimension, excellent photocatalytic efficiency, and good stability for the degradation of organic dyes. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of NaYF₄@SnO₂@Ag NPs can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the components composed in this core/shell architecture that result in higher photocarriers yield and favor the efficient transfer of photocarriers and energy. This work gives insight to guidance of fabricating efficient, multicomponent upconversion catalysts and proposes a potential in the field of high-efficiency environmental and energy-related applications.