Ratiometric luminescence thermometry with different combinations of emissions from Eu3+ doped Gd2Ti2O7 nanoparticles

Herein, Eu3+ doped Gd2Ti2O7 nanoparticles were tested for application in ratiometric luminescence thermometry. It is shown that two combinations of emissions: one that uses two emissions of Eu3+ ions and one that uses one emission of Eu3+ ions and trap emission of Gd2Ti2O7 provide thermometry over the 303-423 K temperature range with relative sensitivities between 0.14% K−1 and 0.95% K−1. Thermometry based on two Eu3+ emissions from 5D0 to 5D1 levels has a higher relative sensitivity, but lower absolute sensitivity than thermometry based on one Eu3+ emission and trap emission of Gd2Ti2O7. The tested material is prepared by Pechini-type polymerized complex route and is composed of agglomerated nanoparticles of ~30-50 nm in size with pure-phase cubic structure (space group Fd-3m) as evidenced from electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements.