Mn2+-doped MgGeO3 nanophosphors with controlled shape and optimized persistent luminescence

Abstract

Mn2+-doped MgGeO3 (MgGeO3:Mn2+) is an efficient persistent phosphor that emits red luminescence for long time after stopping excitation with UV light. For optical and biotechnological uses a precise control of particle size and shape is highly desired since these parameters may have a strong influence on the properties and suitability of phosphor materials for the intended applications. To the best of our knowledge, MgGeO3:Mn2+ has been synthesized by conventional solid-state-reaction, which yields particles of heterogeneous size and shape. Here, we report for the first time in the literature a salt-assisted method for the synthesis of MgGeO3:Mn2+ nanoparticles with uniform shape (nanorods) and a mean size of 350 nm × 99 nm. The rigorous study of the luminescence properties of the MgGeO3:Mn2+ nanorods revealed that whereas the optimum doping level for photoluminescence was 2.0 mol% Mn2+, the best persistent luminescence was attained with just 0.5 mol% Mn2+, which is ascribed to the different mechanisms of both luminescence processes. The optimum persistent nanophosphor showed an intense red emission, which persisted at least 17 h after stopping the excitation. Such excellent properties make the developed nanophosphor an attractive candidate for use in optical and biotechnological applications.