Ultra-high-sensitive temperature sensing based on emission Pr3+ and Yb3+ codoped Y2Mo3O12 nanostructures†

In recent years, non-contact fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR)-based luminescent thermometry has garnered significant attention for its potential applications in various fields, including electromagnetic environments, micro-temperature fields, and thermally harsh conditions. In this study, we focus on the synthesis and characterization of Y₂Mo₃O₁₂ co-doped with 2% Pr³⁺ and 15% Yb³⁺ nanoparticles using a sol–gel reaction method. The phase purity and luminescence characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly evaluated using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence (PL). Upon excitation with 457 nm light, intense emissions from the ³P₀, ³P₁ and ¹D₂ excited states were observed. The temperature sensing capabilities of the nanoparticles were investigated within the range of 298–448 K. Furthermore, the thermal and non-thermal coupling levels of Pr³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ions were analysed using fluorescence intensity ratio technique (FIR). Our results demonstrated that Y₂Mo₃O₁₂ co-doped with 2% Pr³⁺ and 15% Yb³⁺ exhibited high sensitivity in temperature sensing, with a maximum relative sensitivity of 11.2% K⁻¹ observed at 298 K. Notably, temperature uncertainty (δT) values were exceptionally low within the range of 0.11–0.63 K. These findings underscore the potential of Y₂Mo₃O₁₂:Pr³⁺/Yb³⁺ nanoparticles in optical thermometry applications, thus highlighting their effectiveness as temperature sensors in various environments.