Pressure -induced changes in the persistent luminescence of Gd2.994Ce0.006Ga3Al2O12 and Gd2.964Ce0.006Dy0.03Ga3Al2O12 nanoceramics

Abstract

The Gd_2.994Ce_0.006Ga₃Al₂O₁₂ and Gd_2.964Ce_0.006Dy_0.03Ga₃Al₂O₁₂ nanopowders were prepared using the sol–gel method. The nanocrystalline powders were used for sintering ceramics by low-temperature sintering at high pressure (LTHP). This technique allows maintaining the crystallite size or in some cases even decreases it, leading to interesting physical properties often different compared to the starting material. This study describes the structural and spectroscopic properties of the powders as well as changes in the physical properties of the ceramics induced by the sintering pressure. Particular attention was paid to study the influence of pressure applied during sintering on changes in the persistent luminescence. A mechanism for the persistent luminescence is proposed taking into account the changes induced in ceramics.