Abstract
Broad emission bands in semiconducting oxides due to native defects could readily be an efficient source of white light if they are adjusted properly. In this work, Zn_2GeO_4 nanoparticles of 10 and 16 nm sizes, obtained by a precipitation method, are presented as potential white light emitter. Temperature dependence measurements have been performed to discuss the Zn_2GeO_4 luminescence, which consist of emission bands in the ultraviolet, blue and green regions. The analysis of these results provided some clues about the interplay between defect-related centres and the surface states in nanocrystalline Zn_2GeO_4. Finally, a highly efficient cold-white emission at room temperature has been achieved from this nanomaterial.
NSTL
Elsevier