Nd3+-sensitized NIR downshifting emission in NaYbF4: Nd@NaYF4: Nd nanoparticles for deep tissue temperature sensing

• Published in: Optical materials 2022-02, Vol.124, p.112016, Article 112016
• Main Authors: Wei, Hongling, Cui, Fuyi, Guo, Weigang, Ye, Renguang, Lei, Lei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Core/shell; Nd3; Near-infrared; Temperature sensing
• ISSN: 0925-3467; 1873-1252
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2022.112016

Temperature sensing technology is of great siginificance in scientific research, agricultral production and industrial manufacture. In this work, the sub-10 nm NaYbF4: Nd@NaYF4: Nd active-core/active-shell NPs are employed for near-infrared (NIR) temperature sensing. Compared with the core-only and core/inert-shell NPs, the downshifting emission intensity of the NaYbF4: Nd@NaYF4: Nd active-core/active-shell NPs is greatly enhanced. Upon 808 nm excitation, the Yb3+ emission intensity at ∼975 nm decreases evidently while that of Nd3+ ions at ∼1055 nm only slightly decreases with the rising of temperature from 293 K to 493 K. The maximum Sa of 1.27*10−3 K−1 at 470 K and Sr of 0.7%/K at 293 K are achieved. The NIR emission studied in this work show deep penetration depth more than 4 mm. •Sub-10 nm NaYbF4: Nd@NaYF4: Nd active-core/active-shell NPs are prepared.•The active NaYF4: Nd shell greatly enhances the Yb3+ NIR intensity.•The Yb3+ emisison decreases evidently while that of Nd3+ slightly decreases at higher temperature.•The maximum Sa of 1.27*10−3 K−1 at 470 K and Sr of 0.7% K−1 at 293 K are achieved.