To
date, non-contact luminescence thermometry methods based on
fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technology have been studied extensively.
However, designing phosphors with high relative sensitivity (S
r) has become a research hotspot. In this work,
Eu3+ single-doped Ca2Sb2O7:Eu3+ phosphors with a high S
r value for dual-emitting-center luminescence thermometry are developed
and proposed. The anti-thermal quenching behavior of Eu3+ originating from the energy transfer (ET) of host → Eu3+ is found and proved in the designed phosphors. Interestingly,
adjustable color emission from blue to orange can be achieved. Surprisingly,
the degree of the anti-thermal quenching behavior of Eu3+ gradually reduces from 240 to 127% as the Eu3+ doping
content increases from 0.005 to 0.05 mol, attributed to most Eu3+ being located in the low symmetrical [Ca1O8]
dodecahedral site. According to the differentiable responses of the
host and Eu3+ to temperature, the maximal S
r value reaches 3.369% K–1 (383 K).
Moreover, the ambient temperature can be intuitively predicted by
observing the emitting color. Owing to the excellent performance in
optical thermometry, color-tunable properties, and outstanding acid
and alkali resistance for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films, the developed
Eu3+ single-doped Ca2Sb2O7:Eu3+ phosphors are expected to be prospective candidates
in luminescence thermometers and LED devices in various conditions.