Abstract: Nanocrystal and bulk Y₂Zr₂O₇∶Eu³⁺ were prepared by combustion synthesis and solidstate reaction, respectively. By using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and fluorescence spectrometer, the structural, morphological and temperature dependent spectroscopic properties of Y₂Zr₂O₇∶Eu³⁺ were investigated. The results show that the main emission peaks of Y₂Zr₂O₇∶Eu³⁺ nanocrystal are at 606nm and 628nm, which is attributed to ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺, the ratio of the intensity of 606nm and 590nm in Y₂Zr₂O₇∶Eu³⁺ nanocrystal increases 60% than that in bulk Y₂Zr₂O₇∶Eu³⁺, and all the intensities of ⁵D₀→⁷F_J(J=1,2,3,4) transitions change evidently with decreasing temperature. In addition, the fluorescence spectra of the Y₂Zr₂O₇∶Eu³⁺ nanoparticles which surface were treated by steeping in hydrochloric acid show that the ratio of the intensity of 606nm and 590nm in surface treated Y₂Zr₂O₇∶Eu³⁺ nanoparticles decreases 15% than that in surface untreated Y₂Zr₂O₇∶Eu³⁺ nanoparticles. A qualitative explanation and discussion on the above results is presented on base of surface effect and local structural environment of Eu³⁺ ions.

Key words: nanocrystalline Y₂Zr₂O₇∶Eu³⁺, combustion synthesis, temperature dependent photoluminescence, surface treatment