Synthesis, characterization and photoluminescent properties of BaZr_xNd_1−xO₃ perovskites

Highlights: • BaZr_xNd_1−xO₃ perovskites were prepared by the conventional solid state ceramic route for x = 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 0.99, 0.999, 0.995. • No considerable phase change was observed in X-ray diffraction. • Absorption spectra shows strong absorption from both activator (Nd) and host (BaZrO₃). • Band gap decreases with increasing doping concentrations. • Strong emission in the visible region (401 and 527 nm) was observed from neodymium activated BaZrO₃. - Abstract: BaZr_xNd_1−xO₃ perovskites were prepared by the conventional solid state ceramic route for x = 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 0.99, 0.995 and 0.999. The powders were calcined at 1250 °C. X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples confirmed the cubic phase formation and no considerable additional peaks were found. The absorption spectra of doped samples showed strong absorption around 225 nm, a shoulder at 250 nm and a broad peak around 330 nm. The samples with higher concentrations of neodymium show peaks around 750 and 800 nm. The absorption at 250 nm was due to the absorption by the host BaZrO₃ and others can be attributed to that of Nd³⁺. The emission spectra of the samples were recorded for different excitations and strong emissions were observed around 344 nm, 360 nm, 401 nm, 527 nm and 901 nm. Chromaticity values of the samples measured using CIE chromaticity diagram were also discussed