Mesoporous hollow Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ nanospheres were prepared via the layer-by-layer technique using CTAB as surfactant. The structures/microstructures and morphologies of the as-synthesized phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and N-2 adsorption-desorption porosimetry. The adsorption capacity to remove toxic metal ions in water was tested and the results showed that the Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ nanospheres exhibited better adsorption capabilities of Pb2+, Fe3+ than Cd2+. Moreover, the as-obtained hollow Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ phosphors exhibited strong green emission around 524 nm at room temperature. When the atomic ratio of Zn to Mn was 97:3, the emission intensity of Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ phosphor was about 1.2 times that of commercial phosphors. Furthermore, with the increase of doped Mn2+ concentration, the emission peak showed a red-shift. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.