The synthesis of Er3+/Yb3+/K+ triple-doped NaYF4 phosphors and its high sensitivity optical thermometers at low power

Optical Thermometry is popular among researchers because of its non-contact, high sensitivity, and fast measurement properties. In the present experiment, Er3+/Yb3+/K+ co-doped NaYF4 nanoparticles with different K+ concentrations were synthesized by solvothermal method, and the samples showed bright upconversion green emission under the excitation of a 980 nm laser. The powder X-ray diffractometer and transmission electron microscope were used to characterize the crystal structure and its surface morphology, respectively. The spectral characteristics of nanoparticles with K+ doping concentration from 10% to 30% (Molar ratio) were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, and it was observed that the fluorescence intensity reached the maximum at the K+ concentration of 20%, after which the intensity weakened when the K+ content continued to increase. According to the dependence between the luminescence intensity of the sample and the laser power density and fluorescence lifetime, the intrinsic mechanism was carefully investigated. Temperature-dependent spectra of the samples were recorded in the temperature range of 315–495 K， and the maximum values of absolute sensitivity (Sa) and relative sensitivity (Sr) were measured at 0.0041 K−1 (455 K) and 0.9220%K−1 (315 K). The experimental results show that K+/Er3+/Yb3+ triple-doped NaYF4 green fluorescent nanoparticles (GFNs) have good prospects for applications in display devices, temperature sensing, and other fields. •Effect of K+ tri-doping on structural, luminescence behaviour and fluorescence lifetime of the Er3+-Yb3+ codoped NaYF4 phosphors has been discussed.•The Er3+/Yb3+/K+ triple-doped NaYF4 phosphors presented green emission and red emission.•Based on FIR, the maximum Sa and Sr were 0.0041 K−1 (455 K) and 0.9220%K−1 (315 K), respectively.