Low-temperature synthesis of pure and Mn-doped willemite phosphor (Zn2SiO4: Mn) in aqueous medium

Mn-doped willemite (Zn2SiO4:Mn), which is a zinc silicate green phosphor, i s synthesized in an aqueous medium at as low temperature as 250 degreesC. Z n2SiO4:Mn samples showed acicular and spherical shaped particles ranging in size from similar to 50 to 2400 nm: The microstructures of the nanocrystal line products were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, and light scattering. Th e results indicated the formation of solid crystalline structures. The opti cal emission of 1% and 3% Mn-doped Zn2SiO4 was measured by fluorescence spe ctroscopy, which give further evidence for the incorporation of Mn within t he lattice. This procedure provides an easy and contamination-free method f or synthesis of willemite, which commonly is prepared at very high temperat ures. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.