Optical and structural characterization of SrZr0,1Ti0,9O3

• Published in: Journal of luminescence 2012-10, Vol.132 (10), p.2546-2552
• Main Authors: Delgado–Niño, Pilar, López–Rivera, S.A., Mestres–Vila, Lourdes, Martínez–Sarrión, María Luisa, Valencia–Ríos, Jesús S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Citrates; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Crystal structure; Crystallites; Density; Diffraction; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Glasses, quartz; Inorganic compounds; Materials science; Morphology; Nanoparticles; Nanopowders; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Optical materials; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Optics; Other solid inorganic materials; Photoluminescence; Physics; Sol–gel processes; Structure of solids and liquids; crystallography; Structure of specific crystalline solids; Titanium; Transmission electron microscopy
• ISSN: 0022-2313; 1872-7883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2012.04.041

In this work, the ceramic compound SrTi0.90Zr0,1O3 (SZT) was synthesized by the citrate method. This solid showed a 12nm crystallite size, reflecting the high degree of crystallinity obtained by this synthesis route. Differential and gravimetric thermal analysis showed that the solid was formed from 520°C; the chemical composition was determined by ICP–AES4, giving a stoichiometry corresponding to the SrTi0.90Zr0.10O3 formula, and proved to be compatible with the X-ray diffraction data, refined by the Rietveld method. The morphology was explored by means of SEM and TEM, finding a homogenous particles distribution, arranged in lumps, susceptible to density changes by sintering between 1000°C and 1200°C. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum shows a band between 470nm and 520nm, corresponding to the Ti and Zr ions 3d electronic transition. The SZT crystal structure is tetragonal with space group I4/mcm, number (140). ► The ceramic nano structured compound SrTi0.90Zr0,1O3 was synthesized by the citrate method. ► Differential and gravimetric thermal analysis showed the right thermodynamical parameters ► Good agreement between the crystal structure, group theory and the optical properties was obtained. ► The sized and high crystallinity of the nanoparticules was confirmed by SEM and TEM. ► Crystal structure is tetragonal with space group I4/mcm was found by X-ray and Rietveld refinement.