Preparation, characterization and ESR studies of bulk and nano sized pyrochlore La2−xGdxZr2O7 (x = 0.025, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1)

Bulk and nano sized pyrochlore of composition La2−xGdxZr2O7 (x = 0.025, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1) have been prepared by sol–gel method. They are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The sintering temperature influences the particle size of the sample. The room temperature powder ESR of La1.95Gd0.05Zr2O7 gave characteristic “U” spectrum. The influence of particle size on the ESR of Gd3+ is investigated. Possible reason for the disappearance of “U” spectrum with increase in the particle size is given.