Ferroelectric order driven Eu3+ photoluminescence in BaZrxTi1−xO3 perovskite

Abstract

The ability to tune and enhance the properties of luminescent materials is essential for enlarging their application potential. Recently, the modulation of the photoluminescence emission of lanthanide-doped ferroelectric perovskites by applying an electric field has been reported. Herein, we show that the ferroelectric order and, more generally the polar order, has a direct effect on the photoluminescence of Eu 3+ in the model BaZr x Ti 1−x O 3 perovskite even in the absence of an external field. The dipole arrangement evolves with increasing x from long-range ferroelectric order to short-range order typical of relaxors until the non-polar paraelectric BaZrO 3 is achieved. The cooperative polar interactions existing in the lattice ( x < 1) promote the off-center displacement of the Eu 3+ ion determining a change of the lanthanide site symmetry and, consequently, an abrupt variation of the photoluminescence emission with temperature. Each type of polar order is characterized by a distinct photoluminescence behaviour.

Modulation of Ferroelectric and Optical Properties of La/Co-Doped KNbO3 Ceramics

“…In the past several decades, ferroelectric materials have become important candidates for photovoltaic, random-access memory and optoelectronic devices due to their inherent spontaneous polarization [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Among them, KNbO 3 (KNO) materials with excellent properties are a research hotspot.…”

Multireference Ab Initio Investigation on Ground and Low-Lying Excited States: Systematic Evaluation of J–J Mixing in a Eu3+ Luminescent Complex

“…6,7 Some 5 D 0 → 7 F J electronic transitions are very sensitive to the local environment surrounding the ion; therefore, Eu 3+ can be used as a spectroscopic probe for investigating structural properties of the material in which it is embedded. 8,9 This characteristic results in the extensive use of this ion to determine the local symmetry of an ion site, 10,11 to test the crystal defects, to evaluate the crystal field strength, 12 and to rationalize the thermal treatment effects on oxides. 13 Literature highlights the importance of accurate determination of the electronic states of the Eu 3+ ; hence, the development of new methods and the nonstandard application of the existent theoretical tools to correctly include the not always negligible effects of the ligand field on 4f states are the new frontier in the ab initio treatment of this ion.…”

“…They are a fundamental element in light-emitting diodes, displays, lasers, telecommunications, sensors, molecular thermometers, lighting systems, and biological immunoassays and imaging. − Among lanthanides, the Eu 3+ ion has had an increasingly relevant role as a luminescent activator in different classes of materials due to its high efficiency as a red light emitter . Moreover, its energy level structure is relatively simple, and the ground ( 7 F 0 ) and the emitting ( 5 D 0 ) states are not degenerate; hence, it is possible to monitor Eu 3+ emission and excitation transitions also in a host lattice. , Some 5 D 0 → 7 F J electronic transitions are very sensitive to the local environment surrounding the ion; therefore, Eu 3+ can be used as a spectroscopic probe for investigating structural properties of the material in which it is embedded. , This characteristic results in the extensive use of this ion to determine the local symmetry of an ion site, , to test the crystal defects, to evaluate the crystal field strength, and to rationalize the thermal treatment effects on oxides . Literature highlights the importance of accurate determination of the electronic states of the Eu 3+ ; hence, the development of new methods and the nonstandard application of the existent theoretical tools to correctly include the not always negligible effects of the ligand field on 4f states are the new frontier in the ab initio treatment of this ion.…”

Photochromic and Electric Field-Regulating Luminescence in High-Transparent (K,Na)NbO3-Based Ferroelectric Ceramics with Two-Phase Coexistence

“…The luminescent characteristics of ferroelectric materials are often reversible. 6 Moreover, Canu 7 and Su et al 8 applied an electric field to modulate the photoluminescence intensity of Eu-doped BaZr x Ti 1−x O 3 ceramic and Yb 3+ -doped perovskite ferroelectric single crystals. In addition, Shen et al 9 adjust the luminescence intensity of Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -doped SrBi 8 Ti 7 O 27 ceramics through illumination and electric field.…”