One-step synthesis of YF3:Nd rod-like particles for contactless luminescent thermometers

Nd-doped YF3 rod-like particles have been obtained by one-step and fast synthesis using the microwave hydrothermal method. Before the investigation of the particles as luminescent thermometers, the structural and morphological properties were investigated by XRD, XPS, and SEM techniques. The results indicate that the method ensures the reproducibility of the crystalline phase and the rod-like shape of YF3 particles. The optical absorption reveals typical neodymium transitions that occur in the first biological window, important to applications as sensors in bio-tissues. The optical sensing performance was analyzed using the temperature-dependent luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) from two Stark sublevels of 4F3/2 level (R1 and R2). The maximum value achieved for the relative sensibility (Sr) was 0.22%K−1 at 303K with repeatability of 99.57%, demonstrating Nd-doped YF3 as a promising contactless luminescent thermometer. •YF3:Nd was obtained by one-step fast synthesis by microwave hydrothermal method.•YF3:Nd emission and excitation are within the first biological window.•Sr = 0.22%K−1 by LIR method demonstrate YF3:Nd as a promising contactless thermometer.