Abstract
BaZrO3-delta (delta = 0.0, 0.1 and 0.2) powders were prepared by the sal-gel process. XRD patterns revealed that all samples present a major cubic structure as well as a ZrO2 secondary phase for delta = 0.1 and 0.2 samples, which is confirmed by the Raman study. Besides, blue-green photoluminescence (PL) emission at room temperature was observed. This emission is directly related to the decrease of singly ionized Vo(center dot) and the increase of the doubly ionized Vo(center dot) clusters, leading to the formation of intermediary energy levels in the band gap where an electron and a hole can recombine in the structure. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.