Growth and characterization of tetragonal structure modification of β-Gd2Si2O7:Ce

Growth procedure, crystal structure, and luminescent properties of tetragonal β-Gd2Si2O7:0.5 at.% Ce (a = 6.65740(10) Å, c = 24.2715(3) Å, sp.gr. P43) are studied. Tetragonal modification of this compound is obtained for the first time. Essentially it is isostructural to β-Sm2Si2O7 and some other known disilicates (Ca, La, Ce, Pr, Nd). Obtained samples demonstrate high luminescence yield under X-rays and fast decay.

► Crystalline samples of tetragonal gadolinium pyrosilicate (β-Gd2Si2O7) are obtained for the first time.
► In contrast to other pyrosilicates, in β-Gd2Si2O7 Gd3+ ions occupy four types of sites with different symmetry and coordination numbers.
► β-Gd2Si2O7 samples show a high yield of luminescence and nanosecond decay.
► The obtained set of characteristics demonstrates a potential for practical applications of β-Gd2Si2O7:Ce.