Negative thermal expansion and photoluminescence properties in a novel material ZrScW2PO12

A novel material, ZrScW2PO12, with negative thermal expansion (NTE) behavior, at least from 138 to 1300 K, and intense photoluminescence (PL) property is first reported in this paper. Temperature dependent Raman and PL spectral studies indicate that the material holds an orthorhombic structure down to about 74 K and exhibits NTE property in the temperature range. The intense PL covering nearly the whole visible region was observed and can be deconvoluted into four bands, which present different shifts with elevation of temperature. The abundant optical property may be attributed to n- and p-type like co-doping effect and the specific structure with the abnormal thermal expansion property of the material. The integrated properties might suggest potential applications of this material in light emitting diodes and other light emitting devices.