Intense cold-white emission due to native defects in Zn2GeO4 nanocrystals

Broad emission bands in semiconducting oxides due to native defects could readily be an efficient source of white light if they are adjusted properly. In this work, Zn2GeO4 nanoparticles of 10 and 16 nm sizes, obtained by a precipitation method, are presented as potential white light emitter. Temperature dependence measurements have been performed to discuss the Zn2GeO4 luminescence, which consist of emission bands in the ultraviolet, blue and green regions. The analysis of these results provided some clues about the interplay between defect-related centres and the surface states in nanocrystalline Zn2GeO4. Finally, a highly efficient cold-white emission at room temperature has been achieved from this nanomaterial. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article investigates the luminescent properties of Zn2GeO4 nanoparticles and discovers their high-efficiency cold-white emission capability. Through temperature dependence measurements, the luminescent behavior of Zn2GeO4 is analyzed, providing clues about the interplay between defect-related centers and surface states.