Defect-effects on the photoluminescence of ZrO2 bulk, film and nanocrystals

The photoluminescence (PL) properties of ZrO2 have been measured at different temperatures between 7 and 300 K, using various kinds of ZrO2 specimens: bulk crystal melt-grown by a large solar furnace, thermally oxidized zirconium plate (ZrO2 film crystal on Zr ) and nanocrystals (surface area: 35–45m2/g, diameter: 20–30 nm). The results clarify the deep and shallow energy level structures in the energy gap. Reversible UV-laser-light-induced spectral changes are observed for all of the specimens in different specimen-atmospheres (vacuum and O2 gas). The results elucidate the defect-effects of the PL properties and the PL enhancement mechanism in ZrO2 nanocrystals.