The optically active dopant distribution in a Tm3+–Yb3+ doped silica based glass ceramic sample has been investigated. A systematic analysis of the upconversion fluorescence of the Tm3+–Yb3+ codoped glass and glass ceramic has been performed at room temperature. Tm3+ and Yb3+ single doped glass and glass ceramics have also been included in the study. Upon infrared excitation at 790 nm into the H43 level of the Tm3+ ions a blue upconversion emission is observed, which is drastically increased in the Yb3+ codoped samples. A rate equation model confirmed the energy transfer upconversion mechanism. Based on these results, the temporal dynamic curves of the levels involved in the upconversion process, H43, F5/22, and G41 were interpreted in the glass ceramic samples. The contribution of the optically active Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions in the crystalline and in the vitreous phase of the glass ceramic was distinguished and the ratio of Tm3+ ions in the crystalline phase could be quantified for the 1 mol % Tm3+–2.5 mol % Yb3+ glass ceramic. A surprising result was obtained for that concentration: the main contribution to the upconversion emission of the glass ceramic is due to Tm3+–Yb3+ ions in the vitreous phase.

‘Onium’ compounds, including ammonium and phosphonium salts, have been employed as antiseptics and disinfectants. These cationic biocides have been incorporated into multiple materials, principally to avoid bacterial attachment. In this work, we selected 20 alkyl-triphenylphosphonium salts, differing mainly in the length and functionalization of their alkyl chains, in fulfilment of two main objectives: 1) to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the antifouling profile of these molecules with relevant marine fouling organisms; and 2) to shed new light on their potential applications, beyond their classic use as broad-spectrum biocides. In this regard, we demonstrate for the first time that these compounds are also able to act as non-toxic quorum sensing disruptors in two different bacterial models (Chromobacterium violaceum and Vibrio harveyi) as well as repellents in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. In addition, their inhibitory activity on a fouling-relevant enzymatic model (tyrosinase) is characterized. An analysis of the structure-activity relationships of these compounds for antifouling purposes is provided, which may result useful in the design of targeted antifouling solutions with these molecules. Altogether, the findings reported herein provide a different perspective on the biological activities of phosphonium compounds that is particularly focused on, but, as the reader will realize, is not limited to their use as antifouling agents.

Ho 3 + -doped fluoride nanophase glass ceramics have been synthesized from silica-based oxyfluoride glass. An intense white emission light is observed by the naked eye under near infrared excitation at 750 nm . This visible upconversion is due to three strong emission bands in the primary color components, red, green, and blue. Besides, ultraviolet signals are also recorded upon the same excitation wavelength. The excitation mechanism of both the ultraviolet and the visible emissions is a photonavalanche process with a relatively low pump power threshold at about 20 mW . The total upconverted emission intensity has been estimated to increase by about a factor of 20 in the glass ceramic compared to the precursor glass, in which an avalanche type mechanism is not generated.