Synthesis and luminescent properties of Mn2+ doped Zn2SiO4 phosphors by a hydrothermal method

Green light emitting Mn2+ doped Zn2SiO4 phosphor particles were synthesized by a seeded hydrothermal method at 230 degreesC for 2 h. The microstructur e of phosphor crystals was characterized by transmission electron microscop y (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD results indicate that seeds play a n important role in enhancing the nucleation and crystallization of Zn2SiO4 crystals. Green photoluminescence, whose peak is located at 522 nm, was ob served from the hydrothermally synthesized phosphor particles under UV exci tation. Cathodoluminescence (CL) efficiency was weak and increased with inc reasing applied voltage up to 0.30 lm W (1) at 10 kV. The weak CL efficienc y is believed to be caused by the polymer adsorbate, used to control the pa rticle size, on the Zn2SiO4 particle surface. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.