Investigation of new UV-emitting, Gd-activated Y4Zr3O12 phosphors prepared via combustion method

The UV-emitting Y4Zr3O12:Gd phosphor has been prepared via a solution combustion method. This phosphor sample has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance, photoluminescence and electron spin resonance (EPR) spectroscopic techniques. Phase analysis indicates that the obtained product has a rhombohedral structure. Platelet like structures are obtained with non-uniform distribution. The emission spectrum, upon 274 nm excitation exhibits a well-defined sharp and intense peak centered at 313 nm emitting UV light. The EPR spectrum exhibits several resonance signals with the effective g values at g ≈5.58, 4.33, 3.51, 2.73 and 1.98. From EPR and optical studies, it is observed that gadolinium ions are present in trivalent state in the Y4Zr3O12 matrix.