This invention relates to new phosphor materials exhibiting luminescence and methods for their production. More particularly, the invention relates to new europium-doped zinc sulfide-manganese (ZnS:Mn,Eu) phosphors and use thereof for radiation detection.

A method of forming a metal gallate spinel structure that includes mixing a divalent metal-containing salt and a gallium-containing salt in solution with fermentative or thermophilic bacteria. In the process, the bacteria nucleate metal gallate spinel nano-objects from the divalent metal-containing salt and the gallium-containing salt without requiring reduction of a metal in the solution. The metal gallate spinel structures, as well as light-emitting structures in which they are incorporated, are also described.