Synthesis and luminescence investigation of SBA-15/NaYF4:Yb/Er composites

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology Vol. 97; no. 1; pp. 167 - 177
• Main Authors: Takamori, Dante Yugo, Alves, Rafaela Teixeira, Gouveia-Neto, Artur da Silva, Bueno, Luciano Avallone, Manzani, Danilo, Molina, Celso, Martins, Tereza Silva
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; colloids; Composite materials; Composites; Crystallization; Erbium; etc.; fibers; Fluorescence; Fluorides; Glass; Inorganic Chemistry; Investigations; Low temperature; Materials Science; Metal ions; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Optical and Electronic Materials; Optical properties; Original Paper: Nano-structured materials (particles; Photoluminescence; Sodium compounds; Upconversion; Ytterbium; Lanthanide; Fluoride host; Mesoporous silica; Composites, up-conversion luminescence
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-020-05423-8

One of the main approaches toward obtaining efficient up converting materials with practical applications involves the development of composites with synergism between components. Herein, we reported an optical temperature sensing using up-conversion fluorescence emission at 530 and 550 nm in the Er3+/Yb3+-co-doped NaYF4 nanoparticles and SBA-15/NaYF4:Yb,Er composites excited at 976 nm. Nanoparticles and composites were prepared and investigated by X-ray diffractometry, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and up-conversion photoluminescence. Spherical like NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles exhibited a mixture of hexagonal and cubic phases, while the rare earth ions incorporated inside of SBA-15 mesopores crystallized in a cubic phase. Optical thermometry property was investigated in the temperature range from 30 to 90 °C, and a maximum absolute sensitivity were 0.03/°C and 0.38/°C for nanoparticles and composites, respectively. The lower temperature range makes the composites with potential for application in biological systems. Highlights Rare earth ions incorporated in the SBA-15. Up-conversion of SBA-15/NaYF 4 :Yb/Er composites. Low temperature and concentration of composite suitable for biological application.