Molten‐Salt Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel‐Doped Forsterite Nanocrystals

Nickel‐doped forsterite (Ni 2+ :Mg 2 SiO 4 ) nanocrystals have been synthesized by a facile molten‐salt approach in the presence of NaCl and a surfactant (NP‐7.5). The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution TEM, selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and luminescence spectra measurements. The crystal size could be controlled by tailoring the synthesis parameters. TEM, high‐resolution TEM, and SAED results revealed the single crystalline character of Mg 2 SiO 4 nanoparticles. A possible model for the growth of Ni 2+ :Mg 2 SiO 4 nanocrystals was postulated. The obtained Ni 2+ :Mg 2 SiO 4 nanocrystals show strong, super broad, near‐infrared luminescence at room temperature. These doped Mg 2 SiO 4 nanocrystals are promising gain mediums for super broadband optical amplification.