Insights into Nd III to Yb III Energy Transfer and Its Implications in Luminescence Thermometry

• Published in: Chemistry of materials 2024-04, Vol.36 (7), p.3452-3463
• Main Authors: Oggianu, Mariangela, Mameli, Valentina, Hernández-Rodríguez, Miguel A, Monni, Noemi, Souto, Manuel, Brites, Carlos D S, Cannas, Carla, Manna, Fabio, Quochi, Francesco, Cadoni, Enzo, Masciocchi, Norberto, Carneiro Neto, Albano N, Carlos, Luís D, Mercuri, Maria Laura
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0897-4756; 1520-5002
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.4c00362

This work challenges the conventional approach of using Nd F lifetime changes for evaluating the experimental Nd → Yb energy transfer rate and efficiency. Using near-infrared (NIR) emitting Nd:Yb mixed-metal coordination polymers (CPs), synthesized via solvent-free thermal grinding, we demonstrate that the Nd [ H → I ] → Yb [ F → F ] pathway, previously overlooked, dominates energy transfer due to superior energy resonance and -level selection rule compatibility. This finding upends the conventional focus on the Nd [ F → I ] → Yb [ F → F ] transition pathway. We characterized Nd Yb (BTC)(H O) as a promising cryogenic NIR thermometry system and employed our novel energy transfer understanding to perform simulations, yielding theoretical thermometric parameters and sensitivities for diverse Nd:Yb ratios. Strikingly, experimental thermometric data closely matched the theoretical predictions, validating our revised model. This novel perspective on Nd → Yb energy transfer holds general applicability for the Nd /Yb pair, unveiling an important spectroscopic feature with broad implications for energy transfer-driven materials design.