Synthesis by sol–gel process, structural and luminescence of V and Mn doped α-Zn2SiO4

Abstract

A two-step sol–gel process is used for the preparation of undoped, Mn and V-doped Zn2SiO4 nanoparticles embedded in silica host matrix. The formation of a crystalline phase of willemite structure in the samples was confirmed by XRD measurements. Undoped Zn2SiO4 sample exhibits an intense emission band centered at 760 nm, can be attributed to the formation of non-bridging oxygen hole centers (NBOHcs) excited at the spectral region hν ≥ 5.4 eV. In the case of Zn2SiO4:V, a band centered at 540 nm has been detected. This emission is allocated to the V in the interfaces between Zn2SiO4 particles and SiO2 host matrix. In addition, the green emission peak centered around 525 nm of Zn2SiO4:Mn nanoparticles is attributed to the 4T1–6A1 transitions of Mn2+ ions. The crystallinity and luminescent property of nanoparticles were investigated.