Photoluminescence and piezoelectric behaviour of Y Zr O pyrochlore-based multifunctional materials and the influence of Eu and Sm.

Y Zr O -doped with Eu and Sm phosphors were prepared for the first time as multifunctional smart materials using a solid-state reaction method at 1400 C. Thermal behaviour, crystal structure, surface morphology, and elemental analysis were characterized using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal (DTA) analyses, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Experimental results revealed that both phosphors have a pyrochlore structure with a cubic crystal system. Photoluminescence properties were also measured and red emission was observed from Y Eu Zr O and Y Sm Zr O phosphors. Dielectric constant, loss tangent, piezoelectric charge constant, and Curie temperature of all the samples were determined using an LCR-meter, d -meter, and TG/DTA. Eu doping in Y Zr O resulted in a high dielectric constant (9.61) and low loss tangent (1.67%) values, whereas high piezoelectric charge constant (0.68 pC/N) and high Curie temperature (820°C) could be obtained using Sm-doped Y Zr O .