The Investigation of the Effect of La3+, Eu3+, and Sm3+ Ions on Photoluminescence and Piezoelectric Behavior of RE1.90Y0.10Zr2O7 (RE: Eu, Sm and Y: La, Sm, Eu) Pyrochlore‐Based Multifunctional Smart Advanced Materials

ABSTRACT A series of compounds with the general formula RE 1.90 Y 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 (where RE includes Eu, Sm and Y includes La, Sm, Eu) were synthesized using a solid‐state reaction method. These compounds were analyzed through differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, their dielectric constant, loss tangent, piezoelectric charge constant, and Curie temperature were measured using an LCR meter, d 33 meter, and TG/DTA. X‐ray diffraction results indicated that all samples crystallize in a cubic pyrochlore structure. Photoluminescence studies revealed that Eu 3+ ions predominantly contribute to the emission, whether as activators or co‐activators. Among the phosphors, Eu 1.90 La 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 exhibited a significantly longer afterglow compared to Sm 1.90 Eu 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 and Eu 1.90 Sm 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 . Conversely, Sm 1.90 Eu 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 demonstrated luminescence intensity that was 20 times greater than that of Eu 1.90 La 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 and Eu 1.90 Sm 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 . Furthermore, all samples with characteristic Eu 3+ emissions also exhibited piezoelectric properties. Curie temperature (T c ) of Eu 1.90 La 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 , Sm 1.90 Eu 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 , and Eu 1.90 Sm 0.10 Zr 2 O 7 are 770°C, 830°C, and 845°C, respectively. Therefore, Sm 3+ ion improves piezoelectric properties and Curie temperature when doping into the Eu 2 Zr 2 O 7 host crystal.