Annealing effects on luminescent properties of Eu3+ doped Gd2Zr2O7 nanopowders

Abstract

In this report presented are structure, morphology and luminescence properties of nanopowders based on gadolinium zirconium oxide (Gd2Zr2O7) doped by europium ions (Eu3+). The nanopowders were prepared using a flame combustion method, the most frequently used process due to the simplicity and low cost of the synthesis procedures and also due to the possibility of tailoring the size and morphology of particles. The produced material is suitable for various optical devices. The luminescence properties of synthesized nanopowders were characterized by emission spectra and luminescence lifetimes obtained by using the streak camera system. Moreover, emission spectra were obtained and compared for powders as-obtained and after additional annealing at 1200°C. Luminescence emission spectra clearly show peaks characteristic for the strong emission lines at 611 nm and 630 nm corresponding to the5D0 →7F2 long lived transition.