Formation of zircon-type (Zr,Ti)1-x(Dy)x(SiO4)1-x(PO4)x solid solution and their optical and magnetic characteristics

The present study is aimed to tailor the structure of zircon (ZrSiO4) for potential application in hard tissue replacements. In this context, zircon (Zr,Ti)(1-)(x)(Dy)(x)(SiO4)(1-)(x)(PO4)(x) type solid solution has been formed through a simple sol-gel technique. Zircon formation is induced by the Ti4+ substitution, whereas the progressive addition of Dy3+/PO43- led to their accommodation at the resultant lattice sites. The maximum occupancy limit of Dy3+/PO43- is determined as 20 wt.% beyond, in which the ZrSiO4 structure is destabilized to enable the exclusion of Ti4+ and Zr4+ and subsequently yields ZrTiO4 trace alongside the crystallization of DyPO4. Dy3+ accommodation facilitated the improved absorption and emission (blue [483 nm] and yellow [576 nm]) phenomena and further the paramagnetic features are also induced in the resultant ZrSiO4.

Automated summary

In this study, a zircon solid solution was formed using a sol-gel technique, with the substitution and addition of elements altering its structure and introducing improved absorption and emission properties.