Effect of Pb2+ ions on the photoluminescence characteristics of Mn2+-doped Zn2SiO4

Zn2SiO4 single-doped and co-doped with Mn2+ ions and Pb2+ ions has been prepared by a sol–gel process. The luminescent properties of the samples have been investigated. From the excitation and emission spectral analysis, it was found that the emission peaks vary with the change of the excitation wavelength. An enhanced luminescent characteristic of Mn2+ ions (in blue and green spectral zones) has been observed, due to the energy transfer from the Pb2+ ion to the Mn2+ ion. The emission peaks originate from the d–d transitions of the Mn2+ ion. However, the relative intensities of the peaks show a dependence on the concentration of the Pb2+ ion.