α-NaYb(Mn)F4:Er3+/Tm3+@NaYF4 UCNPs as “Band-Shape” Luminescent Nanothermometers over a Wide Temperature Range

Novel flower-like α-NaYb(Mn)F4:Er(3+)/Tm(3+)@NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as luminescent nanothermometers have been developed by combining liquid-solid solution hydrothermal strategy with thermal decomposition strategy. Under 980 nm excitation, they exhibit intense upconversion luminescence and temperature-dependent upconversion luminescence over a wide temperature range. The influence of temperature on "band-shape" upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra and the intensity of emission bands are analyzed and discussed in detail. We further successfully test and verify that intensity ratios REr of (2)H11/2 → (4)I15/2 and (4)S3/2 → (4)I15/2 and RTm of (1)G4 → (3)H5 and (3)H4 → (3)H6 are sensitive to temperature, and the population of active ions follows Boltzmann-type population distribution very well. These luminescent nanothermometers could be applied over a wide temperature range from 123 to 423 K with high sensitivity, which enable them to be excellent candidates for temperature sensors.