Abstract

The variation of luminescent properties with temperature is one promising way in order to measure temperature. Luminescent nanomaterials allow a local and contactless temperature determination. This could be very useful in many applications like medicine, aeronautic, and marine or in the understanding of catalytic mechanism [1]. ZnGa₂O₄:Cr³⁺ is a potential nanothermometer because of its high sensitivity on a large temperature range. Indeed, the luminescence lifetime of the ²E emitted state is drastically dependent on temperature since the ⁴T₂ and ²E levels are in thermal equilibrium [2]. In this study we optimized firstly the luminescence properties of 10 nm in diameter nanoparticles in order to improve their capability as thermal nanosensor (see fig. 1-a). The obtained nanoparticles, present good luminescence emission in the deep red range centered at 695 nm after coating with a silica layer and calcination at 1000°C during 2 h.

© 2019 IEEE