Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of MgAl2O4:Mn2+ hexagonal nanoplates

MgAl2O4:Mn2+ hexagonal nanoplates have been synthesized via a simple two-step method. The nanoplates have uniform hexagonal morphology with an average edge length of 1 μm and thickness of 30 nm. X-ray diffraction and various microscopic techniques indicate that MgAl2O4:Mn2+ nanoplates are single-crystal with multilayered morphology. The formation mechanism has also been discussed. Photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the MgAl2O4:Mn2+ nanoplate shows a broad green emission band centered at 568 nm, which is assigned to the 4T1 → 6A1 transition of Mn2+ ion. The MgAl2O4:Mn2+ nanoplate is a promising candidate for efficient nanoscale optical material.