Controlled synthesis and relationship between luminescent properties and shape/crystal structure of Zn2SiO4:MN2+ phosphor

Mn-doped Zn2SiO4 phosphors with different morphology and crystal structure, which show different luminescence and photoluminescence intensity, were synthesized via a low-temperature hydrothermal route without further calcining treatment. As-synthesized zinc silicate nanostructures show green or yellow luminescence depending on their different crystal structure obtained under different preparation conditions. The yellow peak occurring at 575 nm comes from the beta-phase zinc silicate, while the green peak centering at 525 nm results from the usual a-phase zinc silicate. From photoluminescence spectra, it is found that Zn2SiO4 nanorods have higher photoluminescence intensity than Zn2SiO4 nanoparticles. It can be ascribed to reduced surface-damaged region and high crystallinity of nanorods. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.