Luminescent Mn2+-Doped MgO–Al2O3–ZrO2–SiO2 Sol–Gel Materials

Abstract

Mn²⁺-doped MgO–Al₂O₃–ZrO₂–SiO₂ materials have been synthesized by the sol–gel method, and their structure, morphology, chemical composition, and luminescent properties have been studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, EDX analysis, and luminescence spectroscopy. The sol–gel method has been shown to ensure high homogeneity of the chemical composition over the volume of the synthesized materials. The introduction of Mn into the composition of sol–gel materials significantly accelerates crystallization processes in them during heat treatment. The luminescence spectra of the materials display several groups of emission bands in the blue and yellow-red parts of the visible spectral range. The resulting materials are promising for use as phosphors in the lighting for plant production.