Combustion Synthesis and Temperature Dependent Photoluminescence of Nanocrystalline Y_2Zr_2O_7:Eu~(3+)

Nanocrystal and bulk Y2Zr2O7 ∶ Eu3+ were prepared by combustion synthesis and solid-state reaction,respectively.By using X-ray diffraction(XRD),high resolution transmission electron microscope(HRTEM) and fluorescence spectrometer,the structural,morphological and temperature dependent spectroscopic properties of Y2Zr2O7 ∶ Eu3+ were investigated.The results show that the main emission peaks of Y2Zr2O7 ∶ Eu3+ nanocrystal are at 606nm and 628nm,which is attributed to 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+,the ratio of the intensity of 606nm and 590nm in Y2Zr2O7 ∶ Eu3+ nanocrystal increases 60% than that in bulk Y2Zr2O7 ∶ Eu3+,and all the intensities of 5D0→7FJ(J=1,2,3,4) transitions change evidently with decreasing temperature.In addition,the fluorescence spectra of the Y2Zr2O7 ∶ Eu3+ nanoparticles which surface were treated by steeping in hydrochloric acid show that the ratio of the intensity of 606nm and 590nm in surface treated Y2Zr2O7 ∶ Eu3+ nanoparticles decreases 15% than that in surface untreated Y2Zr2O7 ∶ Eu3+ nanoparticles.A qualitative explanation and discussion on the above results is presented on base of surface effect and local structural environment of Eu3+ ions.