Synthesis and Luminescent Properties of Mn²⁺-Doped Zinc Silicate Phosphors by Sol-Gel Method

Abstract

Abstract. Green light emitting Mn2+-doped Zn2SiO4 (Zn2SiO4:Mn2+) phosphor nano-particles were synthesized by sol-gel method combined with a furnace firing from the sol-gel solution made with ZnO, MnCO3 and tetraethoxysilan. The influences of annealing temperatures on the microstructures and photoluminescent properties of the Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ phosphors were investigated. The structural details of the phosphors were examined through XRD and SEM. The photoluminescent properties of the Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ phosphors were characterized by excitation and emission spectra. The results indicate that the XRD patterns of the Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ phosphors exhibit a willemite structure (-Zn2SiO4). Green photoluminescence whose emission peak is located at 525 nm were observed from the synthesized phosphor particles under UV excitation. The photoluminescent mechanisms of the Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ phosphors were discussed.