Matrix-dependent high-contrast photochromism in Eu-doped M3MgSi2O8 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba)

Abstract

The photochromic properties and charge transfer processes were studied in novel Eu-doped M3MgSi2O8 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) compounds. These materials exhibit vivid color changes upon irradiation with UV light, resulting in orange, reddish-pink, and green colors. The introduction of europium ions enhances photochromic efficiency and shifts excitation peaks to lower energy ranges. Analysis of diffuse reflectance and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra reveals the formation of both paramagnetic and non-paramagnetic defects, with the dominant signals attributed to electron centers, likely F+-type centers. The Eu2+ → Eu3+ charge transfer during irradiation indicates that Eu2+ acts as a hole center. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying photochromism in these materials and highlight their potential for practical applications. © 2024 The Royal Society of Chemistry. --//-- This is an open-access article Krieke, Guna, Antuzevics, Andris, Kalinko, Aleksandr, Kuzmin, Alexei, Murauskas, Tomas, Kareiva, Aivaras, Zarkov, Aleksej, "Matrix-dependent high-contrast photochromism in Eu-doped M3MgSi2O8 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba)", J. Mater. Chem. C, 2024, volume 12, issue 41, pages 16989-16998, doi 10.1039/D4TC03091E published under the CC BY-NC licence.