Evolution of Zn based high purity phases under NH3 gas atmosphere and their PL properties

► Highly pure Zn based phases like Zn3N2, ZnO and Zn microparticles prepared under NH3 gas environment. ► Vapor-solid and self-catalytic processes based growth mechanisms are proposed for the products. ► PL spectra of the products exhibited very interesting and infrequently observed emission bands. ► Optical studies revealed the promise of the structures for applications in light emitting devices.