Self-referenced luminescence thermometry with Sm(3+) doped TiO2 nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Optical Sensing

Background:

• Developing precise temperature sensors is crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
• Luminescence-based thermometry offers non-contact and high-resolution temperature measurement capabilities.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are versatile hosts for luminescent dopants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of samarium (Sm(3+)) doped TiO2 nanoparticles for luminescence temperature sensing.
• To characterize the microstructure and luminescence properties of the synthesized nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the temperature sensing performance using ratiometric and time-resolved luminescence measurements.

Main Methods:

• Hydrolytic sol-gel synthesis of Sm(3+) doped TiO2 nanoparticles.
• Microstructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
• Luminescence spectroscopy to analyze emission spectra and decay dynamics over a temperature range (room temperature to 110 °C).

Main Results:

• The luminescence spectra showed distinct regions for TiO2 host trap emission and Sm(3+) ion emission.
• The ratio of Sm(3+) emission to TiO2 trap emission demonstrated significant temperature dependence.
• High relative sensor sensitivities were achieved, with a maximum of 10.54% °C(-1) for ratiometric measurements and 10.14% °C(-1) for time-resolved measurements.

Conclusions:

• Sm(3+) doped TiO2 nanoparticles are effective materials for luminescence temperature sensing.
• Both ratiometric and time-resolved luminescence measurements provide reliable temperature sensing data.
• The developed sensor exhibits high sensitivity over the tested temperature range.