Mn-doped zinc aluminate nanoparticles: hydrothermal synthesis, characterization, and photoluminescence properties.

A two-step synthesis method was developed to fabricate Mn-doped zinc aluminate (ZnAl2O4) nanoparticles, including the first step of ageing, and the second step of crystallization. The effects of preparation conditions, such as ageing temperature, crystallization time, and the pH on the Mn-doped ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles were systematically investigated. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of green phosphor Mn-doped ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles were also discussed. Compared with the bulk sample, the PL spectrum of Mn-doped ZnAl2O4 nanoparticles has distinct blue shift. This procedure provides a facile way for the synthesis of well-crystallized ZnAl2O4:Mn at low temperature.