Design and Synthesis of an MOF Thermometer with High Sensitivity in the Physiological Temperature Range

An important result of research on mixed-lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (M′LnMOFs) is the realization of highly sensitive ratiometric luminescent thermometers. Here, we report the design and synthesis of the new M′LnMOF Tb_0.80Eu_0.20BPDA with high relative sensitivity in the physiological temperature regime (298–318 K). The emission intensity and luminescence lifetime were investigated and compared to those of existing materials. It was found that the temperature-dependent luminescence properties of Tb_0.80Eu_0.20BPDA are strongly associated with the distribution of the energy levels of the ligand. Such a property can be useful in the design of highly sensitive M′LnMOF thermometers.