PVA-assisted synthesis of Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ nanoparticles: Enhanced luminescence properties and applications

Green-emitting Mn2+ -doped zinc silicate nanophosphor was synthesized by solvothermal method with the assistance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The structure, morphology and optical properties of phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL). Also, the application of Mn2+-doped zinc silicate phosphor in electronic devices was studied. Furthermore, Zn2SiO4: Mn2+ phosphor was used to be a fluorescent sensor for the first time to detect inorganic ions and small molecules. The results indicated that pure alpha-Zn2SiO4 phase nanoparticles with spherical morphology were obtained. The results also showed that the phosphor has excellent selectivity and sensitivity for detecting Cr3+ ions, Cr(2)O(7)2-2- ions and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) with low detection limits (Cr3+ ions: 1.34 mu M, Cr(2)O(7)2-2- ions: 5.86 mu M, 4-NP: 2.38 mu M). Thus, Mn2+ -doped zinc silicate manganese phosphor has potential applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent sensors.