Bright aspects of defects and dark traits of dopants in the photoluminescence of Er₂X₂O₇:Eu³⁺ (X = Ti and Zr) pyrochlore: an insight using EXAFS, positron annihilation and DFT

Abstract

Understanding the materials intricacies and fundamental processes involved in dopant and defect luminescence is of paramount importance for design scientists and engineers working towards solid state lighting, optoelectronics, scintillators etc....

Luminescent Y2Zr2O7 for Ultrasensitive Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds Driven by Oxygen Vacancies

“…PALSs are reported earlier in similar systems. Gregg et al reported a single positron lifetime of 211 ps in Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 , while two lifetimes were observed in Nd 2 Zr 2 O 7 annealed at different temperatures as well as in Er 2 Zr 2 O 7 and Er 2 Ti 2 O 7 . Gumber et al also have reported two positron lifetime components with their weighted average as 218 ps in Y 2 Ti 2 O 7 .…”

“…Pyrochlore materials are currently seeking great attention among the materials science community for the design of multifunctional materials due to their structural flexibility, high stability for heat and radiation, low thermal conductivity, high ionic conductivity, ability to accommodate large concentration of the dopant ion at both A and B sites, and interesting magnetic and electrical properties. – Among different pyrochlores based on distinct A and B sites, Y 2 Zr 2 O 7 (YZO) is highly favorable owing its low phonon energy and relatively higher theoretical transmittance . To add to these, they have higher melting point, high chemical and physical stability, and high near-infrared, heat, and radiation reflectivity and can be explored as new heat insulating materials with low thermal conductivity .…”