Abstract
Transparent PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT)-doped silica nanocomposites were fabricated via a modified sol–gel process.The nanocomposites were annealed at different temperatures between 740 and800 °C in order to produce PZT crystallites with different particle sizes. X-ray diffraction analysis indicatedthat the embedded PZT nanoparticles were crystallized with a perovskite structure while theSiO2 matrix was still in an amorphous state. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed thatthe PZT particles were of nanosize with perovskite structure and dispersed within theSiO2 matrix. Photoluminescence spectra of the samples were measured between 10and 290 K. The pure silica matrix showed an emission band at 3.20 eV anda weak emission band at 2.65 eV. They were noticeably suppressed in thePZT/SiO2 nanocomposites. An additional emission band at∼2.30 eV, due to transition within the PZT crystallites, was identified. This emission bandshowed a large blue-shift with decreasing PZT crystallite size and a substantially enhancedintensity as compared with that of bulk PZT ceramics. Our studies demonstrate thetypical quantum size effect of ferroelectric-doped nanocomposites and the largeinfluence of the silica matrix on the PL intensity of the embedded PZT particles.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
