Ultra-wide band near-infrared (NIR) optical thermometry (12-673 K) performance enhanced by Stark sublevel splitting in Er ions near the first biological window in the PbZrTiO:Er/Yb phosphor.

The fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) approach, which relies on thermally coupled levels (TCLs), is significantly important for optical thermometry at room temperature and above, but was found to be impractical for low temperature sensing due to limited population density (thermal) or lack of spectrum at extremely low temperatures. Herein, we report a wide temperature range (12-673 K) sensing capability of the PbZrTiO:Er/Yb (C1:PZT) phosphor utilising the bandwidth of Stark sublevel split near-infrared (NIR) emission bands as one sensing parameter and FIR as another. Motivated by our previous studies on upconversion (UC) and the promising thermometry performance of the C1:PZT phosphor for real time nanothermometer monitoring (using visible TCLs), this work extends to the same thermometry application using UC-NIR emission as TCLs.

Influence of annealing temperature on persistent luminescence in BaAlO:Eu/Eu nanocrystals and its application for latent fingerprint detection.

The luminescent properties of europium (Eu) doped BaAlO phosphors were strongly influenced by post-annealing temperatures for blue-green persistent luminescence and latent fingerprints (LFPs). The X-ray powder diffraction patterns of the BaAlO: 1 mol% Eu nanophosphor, annealed between 1000 and 1300 °C, indicated a hexagonal ferroelectric phase. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the Ba atoms occupied two different sites in the BaAlO.

Investigation of red-emitting CaMoO: Eu phosphor by partitioning of substitutional PO ions via solid-state reaction method.

To investigate the impact of PO anionic groups, the trivalent europium ion-doped calcium molybdate (CaMoO-PO:xEu, where x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.

Novel Orange-Emitting YPO:Sm/Polymer Nanocomposite Phosphor Films for LED Applications.

A polymer based nanocomposite (NC) material embedded with highly luminescent nanopowders could be promising for replacing traditional luminescent materials from a technological point of view. In this study, we have successfully obtained YPO: Sm /Polymer nanocomposite phosphor films by embedding YPO: Sm luminescent nanoparticles (NPs) for orange-light emitting diode (LED) applications. These luminescent NPs were synthesized using the sol gel method in different polymer matrices i.

Standalone Highly Efficient Graphene Oxide as an Emerging Visible Light-Driven Photocatalyst and Recyclable Adsorbent for the Sustainable Removal of Organic Pollutants.

Carbon-based nanostructures are promising eco-friendly multifunctional nanomaterials because of their tunable surface and optoelectronic properties for a variety of energy and environmental applications. The present study focuses on the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) with particular emphasis on engineering its surface and optical properties for making it an excellent adsorbent as well as a visible light-active photocatalyst. It was achieved by modifying the improved Hummers method through optimizing the synthesis parameters involved in the oxidation process.

The role of thickness on the structural and luminescence properties of YO:Ho, Yb upconversion films.

The structural, surface, and upconversion (UC) luminescence properties of YO:Ho,Yb films grown by pulsed laser deposition, for different numbers of laser pulses, were studied. The crystallinity, surface, and UC luminescence properties of the thin films were found to be highly dependent on the number of laser pulses. The X-ray powder diffraction analysis revealed that YO:Ho,Yb films were formed in a cubic structure phase with an Ia space group.

Sensitive, Stable, and Recyclable ZnO/Ag Nanohybrid Substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Metrology.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering is a practical, noninvasive spectroscopic technique that measures chemical fingerprints for varieties of molecules in multiple applications. However, synthesizing appropriate substrates for practical, long-term applications of this method has always been a challenging task. In the present study, we show that ZnO/Ag nanohybrid substrates may act as highly stable, sensitive, and recyclable substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering, as illustrated by the detection of methylene blue, selected as a test dye molecule with self-cleaning functionalities.

High-contrast multi-surface imaging of latent fingerprints using color-tunable YOF:Tb,Eu ultrafine nanophosphors with high quantum yield.

Visualization of latent fingerprints (LFPs) using conventional powders has faced challenges on multicolor surfaces. However, these challenges are addressed by the advent of fluorescent powders in LFP detection, and they have redefined the effectiveness of the powder dusting method. In this study, color-tunable YOF:Tb,Eu nanophosphors were examined for LFP recognition and were evaluated for their practicality on different types of surfaces.

Bi doped LaOCl and LaOF thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition.

Thin films of Bi doped LaOCl and LaOF phosphors prepared via the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique in vacuum and different argon (Ar) pressures were compared in order to assess their luminescence properties. All peaks of the X-ray diffraction patterns of the films were consistent with the tetragonal structure of the LaOCl and LaOF, but in the case of LaOF the signal was weaker and not all peaks were present, suggesting some preferred orientation. Photoluminescence measurements revealed that the films exhibited emission around 344 nm for LaOCl:Bi and 518 nm for LaOF:Bi under excitations of 266 nm and 263 nm, respectively.

Engineering of Mesoporous Cube-like InO Products as Ethanol Detection Platform at Low Operating Temperature: Effects of Different Transition Metals as Dopant Ions.

Although most semiconductor metal oxides including InO show acceptable sensitivity to volatile organic compounds, it is difficult to detect ethanol effectively at low operating temperatures and detection levels. In this study, pure and Co-, Ni-, and Cu-doped InO products with their doping content maintained at 1 mol % were successfully produced using a hydrothermal approach. Explicit contrast on the structural, microstructural, and textural properties of the synthesized InO products was examined to determine their gas sensing performance.

Effect of annealing conditions on the luminescence properties and thermometric performance of SrAlOCl:Eu and SrAlO:Eu phosphors.

We report on the synthesis, photoluminescence optimization and thermometric properties of SrAlOCl:Eu and SrAlO:Eu phosphor powders. The photoluminescence of SrAlOCl:0.1Eu phosphors exhibits a blue-shift with an increasing annealing temperature owing to a decrease in the crystal field strength of the host caused by evaporation of Cl from the material.

Towards Room Temperature Thermochromic Coatings with controllable NIR-IR modulation for solar heat management & smart windows applications.

Solar heat management & green air-conditioning are among the major technologies that could mitigate heat islands phenomenon while minimizing significantly the CO global foot-print within the building & automotive sectors. Chromogenic materials in general, and thermochromic smart coatings especially are promising candidates that consent a noteworthy dynamic solar radiation Infrared (NIR-IR) regulation and hence an efficient solar heat management especially with the expected increase of the global seasonal temperature. Within this contribution, two major challenging bottlenecks in vanadium oxide based smart coatings were addressed.

Persistent luminescent nanophosphors for applications in cancer theranostics, biomedical, imaging and security.

The extraordinary and unique properties of persistent luminescent (PerLum) nanostructures like storage of charge carriers, extended afterglow, and some other fascinating characteristics like no need for in-situ excitation, and rechargeable luminescence make such materials a primary candidate in the fields of bio-imaging and therapeutics. Apart from this, due to their extraordinary properties they have also found their place in the fields of anti-counterfeiting, latent fingerprinting (LPF), luminescent markings, photocatalysis, solid-state lighting devices, glow-in-dark toys, Over the past few years, persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) have been extensively used for targeted drug delivery, bio-imaging guided photodynamic and photo-thermal therapy, biosensing for cancer detection and subsequent treatment, latent fingerprinting, and anti-counterfeiting owing to their enhanced charge storage ability, in-vitro excitation, increased duration of time between excitation and emission, low tissue absorption, high signal-to-noise ratio, etc. In this review, we have focused on most of the key aspects related to PLNPs, including the different mechanisms leading to such phenomena, key fabrication techniques, properties of hosts and different activators, emission, and excitation characteristics, and important properties of trap states.

Structural and optical characteristics of α-BiO/ BiO:Ho thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition for improved green and near-infrared emissions and photocatalytic activity.

Pulsed laser deposited films on glass substrate deposited at different substrate temperatures (T) and partial pressures of oxygen, Ho-doped BiO films were produced. The degradation capability of the Rhodamine B dye using the BiO:Ho films was explored. The impact of the BiO:Ho content on the dye degradation performance was analyzed.

Impact of ligand environment on optical, luminescence and thermometric behavior of A (PO ) :Sm (A = Ca, Sr) phosphors.

The present study investigates the impact of the ligand environment on the luminescence and thermometric behavior of Sm doped A (PO ) (A = Sr, Ca) phosphors prepared by combustion synthesis. The structural and luminescent properties of Sm ions in the phosphate lattices were investigated using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. PXRD results of the synthesized phosphors exhibit the expected phases that are in agreement with their respective standards.

Cardioversion strategy impacts rate control during recurrences in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A subanalysis of the RACE 7 ACWAS trial.

Background: In the Rate Control versus Electrical Cardioversion Trial 7-Acute Cardioversion versus Wait and See, patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) were randomized to either early or delayed cardioversion.

Aim: This prespecified sub-analysis aimed to evaluate heart rate during AF recurrences after an emergency department (ED) visit identified by an electrocardiogram (ECG)-based handheld device.

Methods: After the ED visit, included patients (n = 437) were asked to use an ECG-based handheld device to monitor for recurrences during the 4-week follow-up period.

High Quantum Yield Shortwave Infrared Luminescent Tracers for Improved Sorting of Plastic Waste.

More complete recycling of plastic waste is possible only if new technologies that go beyond state-of-the-art near-infrared (NIR) sorting are developed. For example, tracer-based sorting is a new technology that explores the upconversion or down-shift luminescence of special tracers based on inorganic materials codoped with lanthanide ions. Specifically, down-shift tracers emit in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectral range and can be detected using a SWIR camera preinstalled in a state-of-the-art sorting machine for NIR sorting.

Luminescence Thermometry Based on the Upconversion Luminescence from the Stark Sublevels of BaYF:Yb, Tm Phosphor.

Visible and near-infrared (NIR) upconversion luminescence (UCL) emissions originating from the BaYF: Yb, Tm systems were investigated under a laser excitation at 980 nm. The BaYF:20 mol% Yb, x mol% Tm and BaYF: y mol% Yb, 0.5 mol% Tm phosphors showed prominent UCL at 800 and 810 nm.

Substrate temperature dependence of structure and optical properties of ZnTiO:Er/Yb thin films synthesized by pulsed laser deposition.

ZnTiO:Er,Yb thin film phosphors were successfully deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at different substrate temperatures. The distribution of the ions in the films was investigated and the chemical analysis showed that the doping ions were homogeneously distributed in the thin films. The optical response of the phosphors revealed that the reflectance percentages of the ZnTiO:Er,Yb vary with the silicon substrate temperature due to the differences in the thickness and morphological roughness of the thin films.

A holistic review on the recent trends, advances, and challenges for high-precision room temperature liquefied petroleum gas sensors.

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is mainly composed of hydrocarbons, such as propane and butane, is a flammable gas that is considered a clean source of energy. Currently, the overwhelming use of LPG as fuel in vehicles, domestic settings, and industry has led to several incidents and deaths globally due to leakage. As a result, the appropriate detection of LPG is vital; thus, gas-sensing devices that can monitor this gas rapidly and accurately at room temperature, are required.

Intergroup contact is reliably associated with reduced prejudice, even in the face of group threat and discrimination.

Intergroup contact provides a reliable means of reducing prejudice. Yet, critics suggested that its efficacy is undermined, even eliminated, under certain conditions. Specifically, contact may be ineffective in the face of threat, especially to (historically) advantaged groups, and discrimination, experienced especially by (historically) disadvantaged groups.

Luminescence and stability of Tb doped CaF nanoparticles.

Luminescence properties of CaF:Tb nanoparticles were studied in order to investigate the effect of CaF native defects on the photoluminescence dynamics of Tb ions. Incorporation of Tb ions into the CaF host was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Cross-relaxation energy transfer was observed from the photoluminescence spectra and decay curves upon excitation at 257 nm.

Synthesis of cesium lead bromide nanoparticles by the ultrasonic bath method: A polar-solvent-free approach at room temperature.

Colloidal synthesis of CsPbBr nanoparticles (NPs) is often carried out by involving polar solvents that threaten the chemical stability of the NPs. Here, we report a polar-solvent-free synthesis of all-inorganic CsPbBr NPs by employing an ultrasonic bath approach. The phase evolution of the CsPbBr NPs strongly depended on the duration of ultrasonication.

Mobile health adherence for the detection of recurrent recent-onset atrial fibrillation.

Objective: The Rate Control versus Electrical Cardioversion Trial 7-Acute Cardioversion versus Wait and See trial compared early to delayed cardioversion for patients with recent-onset symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aims to evaluate the adherence to a 4-week mobile health (mHealth) prescription to detect AF recurrences after an emergency department visit.

Methods: After the emergency department visit, the 437 included patients, irrespective of randomisation arm (early or delayed cardioversion), were asked to record heart rate and rhythm for 1 min three times daily and in case of symptoms by an electrocardiography-based handheld device for 4 weeks (if available).