Luminescent Zn2GeO4nanorod arrays and nanowires

Abstract

Large-area Zn₂GeO₄ nanorod arrays (1.5 × 5 cm) and long Zn₂GeO₄ nanowires (length up to 1 mm) have been controllably prepared at different areas on the substrate using a simple thermal evaporation method. The formation processes for these nanostructures were investigated carefully. The solid state reaction and vapor-solid process have been found to clearly contribute to the creation of the Zn₂GeO₄ nanorod arrays and long Zn₂GeO₄ nanowires, respectively. Photoluminescence (PL) characterization of these nanostructures showed that both the nanorod arrays and nanowires exhibited strong blue-white luminescence. Mn-doped Zn₂GeO₄ nanorod arrays have also been obtained by doping an appropriate amount of Mn²⁺ ions in the products. Zn₂GeO₄ nanostructures doped with Mn²⁺ exhibited bright green luminescence.