Ultraviolet-B radiation from Gd (III) doped hardystonite

Abstract

Trivalent gadolinium (Gd³⁺)-doped calcium zinc silicate (Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇/hardystonite) with a molar composition of Ca_2−x ZnSi₂O₇:xGd³⁺ (x = 0.09 mol) was produced using a sol–gel system. The hardystonite was characterized using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction study revealed that the prepared sample contained a tetragonal phase of Ca₂ZnSi₂O₇. The vibrational structures of the sample were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. The photoluminescence emission spectrum of the Ca_1.91ZnSi₂O₇:0.09Gd³⁺ phosphor narrow band was optimized at 312 nm in the Ultraviolet-B region under excitation at 273 nm wavelength. Electron paramagnetic resonance study authenticates the presence of gadolinium (Gd) ions within the trivalent state in the Ca_1.91ZnSi₂O₇:0.09Gd³⁺ host.