Intense visible photoluminescence in Ba(Zr0.25Ti0.75)O3 thin films

Photoluminescence at room temperature in Ba(Zr0.25Ti0.75)O3 thin films was explained by the degree of structural order-disorder. Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and first principles quantum mechanical measurements were performed. The film annealed at 400°C for 4h presents intense visible photoluminescence behavior at room temperature. The increase of temperature and annealing time creates [ZrO6]–[TiO6] clusters in the lattice leading to the trapping of electrons and holes. Thus, [ZrO5]–[TiO6]∕[ZrO6]–[TiO6] clusters were the main reason for the photoluminescence behavior.