Synthesis and Luminescence Properties of Yellow-emitting SiO2/Zn2SiO4: Mn Nanocomposite

Abstract

Yellow light emitting Mn2+-doped b-Zn2SiO4 phosphor nanoparticles embedded in SiO2 host matrix, were prepared by a simple solid-phase reaction under natural atmosphere at 1500 °C for 2 hours after the incorporation of manganese doped zinc oxide nanoparticles in silica using sol-gel method. The SiO2/Zn2SiO4:Mn nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL). The nanopowder was crystallized in triclinic b-Zn2SiO4 phase with a particles size varies between 70 nm and 84 nm. The SiO2/b-Zn2SiO4:Mn nanocomposite exhibited a broad yellow emission band at 575 nm under UV excitation light. The dependence of the intensity and energy position of the obtained PL band on measurement temperature and power excitation will be discussed.

Keywords

• Zn2SiO4
• Zinc Oxide
• Nanoparticles
• Sol-gel
• Optical Materials.