Multiband luminescence of Eu3+ based on Y2Zr2O7 nanocrystals

Eu3+ doped yttrium zirconate ((Y1−xEux)2Zr2O7) nanocrystals were synthesized by a simple sol–gel combustion method, and characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Photoluminescence spectra of (Y1−xEux)2Zr2O7 (x = 0.005–0.15) show multi-peaks corresponding to the f–f transitions 5D0–7FJ (J = 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) of Eu3+. Both the 5D0–7F1 magnetic dipole transition and the 5D0–7F2 electric dipole transition are intense and the 5D0–7F2 emissions split into several peaks depending on the doping concentration. The fine structure of the PL spectra is related to host lattice and the local situation around Eu3+.