Synthesis of manganese activated zinc silicate phosphor by the sol - gel method

Abstract

The green emitting phosphor based on manganese activated zinc silicate was successfully synthesized by the sol - gel method. This paper reports the synthesis and investigation of how the annealing temperature and concentration affect the photoluminescence properties of the Mn²⁺ ions in Zn₂SiO­₄ crystals. The paper also discusses the effect of alkaline ions on the luminous intensity of obtained Zn₂SiO₄ phosphor. The luminescence intensity is strongly dependent on the manganese doping concentrations; the optimal doping concentration is 1 mol% and the product when calcining the obtained gel at 1100 ^oC for 60 minutes has highest luminescence intensity. Alkali metal ions added to the composition of raw materials show the effect of enhancing the luminescence intensity of Zn₂SiO₄:Mn. Samples after the addition of potassium have the highest luminescence intensity; the luminescence intensity has increased by 30% compared to that of the original sample. The synthesized phosphor consists of Zn₂SiO₄ with rhombohedral structure and emits a green light at the 525 nm wavelength when excited by the 325 nm UV radiation.