Synthesis of down-converting red emission Ca₁₄Zn₆Al_10−xMn_xO₃₅ phosphors for use in solar cells

Ca₁₄Zn₆Al_10−xMn_xO₃₅ (x = 1, 3, 5 mol%, CZAMO) phosphor materials were synthesized using the liquid phase precursor (LPP) method. Nanostructrued cellulose was impregnated with metal-hydrate solution and then calcined to vaporize the cellulose. The impregnated cellulose was fired at 800 to 1200 °C to give the CZAMO phosphors. The particle size and crystal structure of the phosphors were analyzed by FE-SEM and XRD. Nano-sized particles with a dominant Ca₁₄Zn₆Al₁₀O₃₅ structure (100 nm) were obtained by firing at 800 °C for 1 h. The red emission wavelength of the phosphors ranged from 650 to 750 nm, peaking at 713 nm.