Controlled synthesis and relationship between luminescent properties and shape/crystal structure of Zn2SiO4:MN2+ phosphor

Mn-doped Zn2SiO4 phosphors with different morphology and crystal structure, which show different luminescence and photoluminescence intensity, were synthesized via a low-temperature hydrothermal route without further calcining treatment. As-synthesized zinc silicate nanostructures show green or yellow luminescence depending on their different crystal structure obtained under different preparation conditions. The yellow peak occurring at 575 nm comes from the β-phase zinc silicate, while the green peak centering at 525 nm results from the usual α-phase zinc silicate. From photoluminescence spectra, it is found that Zn2SiO4 nanorods have higher photoluminescence intensity than Zn2SiO4 nanoparticles. It can be ascribed to reduced surface-damaged region and high crystallinity of nanorods.