Time-gated multi-dimensional luminescence thermometry via carbon dots for precise temperature mobile sensing.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Luminescence thermometry offers precise remote temperature measurement but struggles with environmental interference affecting accuracy.
• Developing robust measurement protocols is crucial for reliable temperature readings in diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel three-dimensional (3D) time-gated luminescence thermometry approach for enhanced accuracy and resilience.
• To utilize surface-engineered carbon dots (CDs) with tunable phosphorescence for temperature sensing.

Main Methods:

• Employed physical mixtures of dibenzoylmethane and rhodamine B-based carbon dots (CDs) exhibiting thermally activated delayed phosphorescence.
• Utilized time-gated luminescence parameters (Δ(T,t)) for temperature quantification.
• Demonstrated temperature readout using conventional spectrometers and smartphone cameras under LED/flashlight illumination.

Main Results:

• Achieved up to 30 time-gated ratiometric thermometric parameters per sample.
• Observed a maximum relative sensitivity of 7.9% °C⁻¹ within the 23–45 °C range.
• Demonstrated reliable temperature readout using non-modified smartphones, surpassing current CD-based thermometers.

Conclusions:

• The novel 3D time-gated luminescence thermometry method with engineered CDs offers a resilient and accurate solution for remote temperature sensing.
• The use of smartphones for temperature readout highlights the potential for low-cost, portable, and accessible thermometry applications.