Synthesis of high efficiency Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ green phosphors using nano-particles

In this study, Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ luminescent phosphors were prepared by mixing nano-scale ZnO, SiO2, and MnO2 particles at the compositions corresponding to 2ZnO + SiO2 + X mol% MnO2 (Zn2SiO4 X-MnO2, 0.02 <= X <= 0.05). The mixing powders were calcined from 900 degrees C to 1300 degrees C in air and in N-2 atmosphere. No matter calcined in air or in N-2 atmosphere, Zn2SiO4 was the mainly crystalline phase in particles calcined at 900 degrees C and was the only phase in particles calcined at 1000 degrees C and higher. The influences of MnO2 concentration and calcining atmosphere and temperature on wavelength of luminescence peak and the emission intensity were further intensively investigated. We would show that the calcining atmosphere had no apparent influences on the physical and photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ phosphors. The MnO2 content and the calcining temperature were the main reasons to influence the physical and PL characteristics of Zn2SiO4:Mn-2 phosphors. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.