Temperature dependent photoluminescence of Eu3+-doped Ca7V4O17

Novel Eu3+ doped Ca7V4O17 nano-particles were synthesized by the solution combustion method, and their sizes and shapes were modified by controlling molar ratios of Ca2+/Cit3-. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra and emission intensity ratios of Eu3+ doped Ca7V4O17 nano-particles are studied in the temperature range from 298 K to 573 K. The 5D0 and 5D1 levels of Eu3+ are confirmed to be thermally coupled levels by the fluorescence intensity ratio technique. The energy transfer from the V4O17 vanadate group to Eu3+ ion is discussed as the main mechanism on optical temperature sensing. The large absolute sensitivity value of 0.0051/K at 522 K is achieved here among all Eu3+ ion doped materials for sensors. The values of relative sensitivity SR and the absolute sensitivity SA indicate the Eu3+ doped Ca7V4O17 nano-particles might be a promising candidate for optical temperature sensors.