Chinese and Singaporean researchers have reported a breakthrough that could cause a valuable rare earth material to emit light when powered directly by electricity.

Rare earth nanocrystals are already used in some lighting applications due to their pure colors, but the reported research breakthrough could expand their use in next generation displays, sensors and medical devices.

Industry experts said the progress gives China a clearer route to converting its abundance in rare earth materials into higher value technologies for high-end industrial applications.

Scientists from Heilongjiang University, Tsinghua University and the National University of Singapore said they had, for the first time, achieved efficient electroluminescence in insulating rare earth nanocrystals — a problem that has prevented their use in high-end optoelectronics for more than a decade.

"It's like trying to run while wearing a heavy winter coat. The insulating nature makes it very hard for electricity to activate their glow," said one member of the research team.

The team addressed the problem by adding a specially designed molecular coating that works as an "energy conversion layer". The coating captures electrical energy and transfers it efficiently into the rare earth core, allowing the nanocrystals to light up and produce tunable, high-purity colors.

Researchers said the approach could pave the way for new applications, including health monitoring, non-invasive diagnostics and crop lighting, as well as future infrared and biomedical technologies.

The group is now working to optimize its findings for potential use in targeted healthcare and near-infrared applications.