Preparation and characteristics of sol–gel derived Zn2SiO4 doped with Ni2+

The changing presented during the heating of sol–gel derived Zn2SiO4 doped with Ni2+ have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). When calcining temperature <700 °C, the XRD patterns of the sample show the characteristic peaks of ZnO crystal and non-crystalline SiO2. When calcining temperature >900 °C, XRD pattern of the sample shows the characteristic peaks of α-Zn2SiO4 crystal phase. Also, the excitation and emission spectra of the undoped and Ni2+-doped samples have been investigated. Stable green–yellow–red emission has been observed from Zn2SiO4 crystalline phase. A novel photoluminescence (PL) phenomenon has been observed from Ni2+-doped Zn2SiO4.