Facile synthesis and morphology control of Zn2SiO4:Mn nanophosphors using mesoporous silica nanoparticles as templates

► A facile template method was used to prepare Zn2SiO4:Mn nanophosphors. ► Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were used as the templates. ► Sizes and morphologies of Zn2SiO4:Mn nanospheres can be controlled by the templates. ► Influence factors of the photoluminescence intensity of Zn2SiO4:Mn were studied. ► Annealing temperature and Zn/Si molar ratio were the dominant factors.