A study on synthesis and characterization of non-stoichiometric hardystonite Ca2ZnSi2O7 for optical and dielectric applications

Hardystonite (Ca2ZnSi2O7) was prepared using non-stoichiometric composition by solid-state method at 1200 °C. Structural analysis revealed that Hardystonite (Ca2ZnSi2O7) as a major phase and Wollastonite (CaSiO3) as a minor phase for all samples with no other impurity peak. Morphological analysis revealed irregular agglomerated morphology with a particle size of 323 μm. The optical band gap ranges from 4.48 to 5.0 eV suitable for sensors, bolometers, and optoelectronic applications. Dielectric constant (3.4–7.7), Resistivity (2.6 × 10−8-4.5 × 10−7 Ωm), and AC conductivity were found at 2.1 × 10−7 - 3.8 × 10−7 Sm-1, making it suitable for Low temperature co-fired (LTCC) applications.