Cation Occupation Engineering Realizes Valence Modulation of Manganese-Activated ZnGa₂O₄

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Chemistry
• Luminescence

Background:

• Manganese-activated zinc gallate (ZGO) phosphors offer tunable optical properties.
• Controlling manganese valence states is key to modulating luminescence characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop multifunctional Mn-activated ZGO phosphors.
• To investigate the effect of magnesium (Mg2+) codoping on luminescence properties and valence states of manganese (Mn).

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Mn-activated ZGO phosphors.
• Characterization of photoluminescence (PL) and thermoluminescence (TL).
• Investigation of valence states of Mn ions using spectroscopic techniques.

Main Results:

• Achieved characteristic green and red emission from Mn-activated ZGO phosphors.
• Demonstrated valence modulation of Mn (Mn2+ and Mn4+) influencing luminescence intensity and duration.
• Mg2+ codoping enhanced PL intensity by 3.8 times and broadened Mn4+ emission bands.
• Proposed hypotheses for Mg2+ occupancy and its effect on Mn valence states.

Conclusions:

• Mn-activated ZGO phosphors exhibit tunable luminescence and persistent properties.
• Mg2+ codoping effectively regulates Mn valence states, enhancing luminescence.
• Synthesized phosphors show potential for anticounterfeiting, information storage, and plant lighting.