A ratiometric luminescence thermometer based on lanthanide encapsulated complexes.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Lanthanide complexes are effective ratiometric luminescence thermometers, but their synthesis is often complex and requires harsh conditions.
• Bimetallic lanthanide complexes show improved thermometry but are even more challenging to synthesize.
• Host-guest complexes offer a simplified approach to lanthanide complex synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified method for synthesizing lanthanide-based ratiometric luminescence thermometers using a single host-guest system.
• To investigate the thermometric properties of terbium (Tb) and terbium/europium (Tb/Eu) complexes encapsulated in a metal-organic framework (MOF) host.
• To enhance thermometer sensitivity and uncertainty by utilizing bimetallic host-guest complexes and specific emission ratios.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of lanthanides (Tb, Eu) within a MOF host structure.
• Tuning the Tb/Eu emission ratio by adjusting precursor ratios during synthesis.
• Characterization of luminescent properties and temperature sensing capabilities in the 160-380 K range.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized emissive Tb and tunable Tb/Eu complexes using a single MOF host.
• Demonstrated suitability as ratiometric luminescent thermometers with good sensitivity and uncertainty.
• Achieved significantly improved thermometer performance using bimetallic Tb/Eu complexes and employing the host/Eu emission ratio for calculations.

Conclusions:

• Host-guest lanthanide complexes provide a simplified and effective platform for developing tunable luminescent thermometers.
• Bimetallic lanthanide incorporation and strategic use of emission ratios enhance thermometer accuracy and sensitivity.
• This approach opens avenues for exploring other unexplored host-guest lanthanide systems for temperature sensing applications.