Studies on the synthesis of Mn-doped ZnS nanoparticles with luminescent properties

Abstract

New synthesis routes to prepare nanoparticles of Mn-doped zinc sulfide, in powder and sol form have been attempted. ZnS:Mn2+ powders have been precipitated at room temperature, in methanol, from sodium sulfide and zinc-manganese acetate whereas ZnS:Mn2+ sols have been obtained from the same reagents in a dispersion medium containing sodium polyphosphate, polyvinyl alcohol and water. Different Mn2+ concentrations and various capping agents have been used to control the optical and morphostructural properties of ZnS:Mn2+ particles. All samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectra, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A comparison between the properties of the as prepared ZnS:Mn2+ particles was performed.