A series of Zn1-xGa2S4:xMn(2+) (0.005 <= x <= 0.08) phosphors has been synthesized by solid-state reaction at 950 degrees C for 2 h in a flowing H2S stream. The structural and photoluminescence properties of Zn1-xGa2S4:xMn(2+) phosphors have been investigated. Under an excitation wavelength of lambda(ex) = 336 nm, ZnGa2S4:Mn2+ exhibits a red emission band at about 612 nm owing to the Mn2+ T-4(1)((4)G) -> (6)A(1)(S-6) transition. The luminescence band shifts to longer wavelength and is accompanied by a decrease in decay time with increasing Mn2+ concentration. The maximum PL intensity of the phosphor is obtained at x = 0.03. The critical transfer distance of Mn2+ is calculated as 21 angstrom. The decay time for ZnGa2S4:0.03Mn(2+) is 1.79 ms. The calculated CIE coordinates indicate that ZnGa2S4:Mn2+ has good color purity. Mn2+-activated ZnGa2S4 phosphors have great potential for application in UV white LED and display devices. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.