Mesoporous hollow Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ nanospheres: The study of photoluminescence and adsorption properties

Mesoporous hollow Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ nanospheres were prepared via the layer-by-layer technique using CTAB as surfactant. The structures/microstructures and morphologies of the as-synthesized phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and N2 adsorption–desorption porosimetry. The adsorption capacity to remove toxic metal ions in water was tested and the results showed that the Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ nanospheres exhibited better adsorption capabilities of Pb2+, Fe3+ than Cd2+. Moreover, the as-obtained hollow Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ phosphors exhibited strong green emission around 524 nm at room temperature. When the atomic ratio of Zn to Mn was 97:3, the emission intensity of Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ phosphor was about 1.2 times that of commercial phosphors. Furthermore, with the increase of doped Mn2+ concentration, the emission peak showed a red-shift.