Synthesis, characterization and photoluminescent properties of BaZrxNd1−xO3 perovskites

Abstract BaZr x Nd 1− x O 3 perovskites were prepared by the conventional solid state ceramic route for x  = 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 0.99, 0.995 and 0.999. The powders were calcined at 1250 °C. X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples confirmed the cubic phase formation and no considerable additional peaks were found. The absorption spectra of doped samples showed strong absorption around 225 nm, a shoulder at 250 nm and a broad peak around 330 nm. The samples with higher concentrations of neodymium show peaks around 750 and 800 nm. The absorption at 250 nm was due to the absorption by the host BaZrO 3 and others can be attributed to that of Nd 3+ . The emission spectra of the samples were recorded for different excitations and strong emissions were observed around 344 nm, 360 nm, 401 nm, 527 nm and 901 nm. Chromaticity values of the samples measured using CIE chromaticity diagram were also discussed.