Abstract
Zn2SiO4 and Zn2SiO4:Mn particles embedded in SiO2 host matrix prepared by sol gel method under supercritical conditions of ethyl alcohol in two steps. Were prepared by a simple solid-phase reaction under natural atmosphere at 1200°C after the incorporation of ZnO and ZnO:Mn nanoparticles, respectively, in silica monolith. In the case of SiO2/Zn2SiO4 nanocomposite, the powder with an average particle size of 80nm shows a strong luminescence band centred at around 760nm in the visible range. In addition, the PL spectrum for the SiO2/Zn2SiO4:Mn nanocomposite showed that a dominant peak at 525nm appeared, which originated from the 4T1–6A1 transitions of Mn2+ ions. The luminescence properties of nanocomposites were characterized by emission and excitation spectra as well their dependencies of upon temperature and power excitation density.
•The Synthesis of Zn2SiO4 nanocomposites.•Structural and optical characterizations of Zn2SiO4 and Zn2SiO4:Mn nanocomposites.•The willemite α-Zn2SiO4 structure was formed to the heat treatment temperature 1200°C.•The powder exhibits a nanometric size.•Strong bands of luminescence have appeared.