Band Gap Tailoring, Size Modulation and Photoluminescence Properties of Mn/Cu doped ZnS Nanostructures

Abstract

ZnS, Mn added ZnS (Zn0.97Mn0.03S) and Mn, Cu dual doped ZnS (Zn0.95Mn0.03Cu0.02S) QDs have been prepared using co-precipitation technique. The influence of Mn and Cu addition on the morphology, structure and photoluminescence properties of Mn/Cu incorporated ZnS have been examined. Cubic structure of the synthesized samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. The incorporation of Cu in Zn-Mn-S lattice not only decreased the particle/grain size and also generates more defect based luminescent activation centres. The reduced energy gap by Mn addition was explained by sp-d exchange interaction and the elevated energy gap in Cu, Mn dual doped ZnS was expalined by Burstein–Moss effect. The tuning phenomenon of size as well as the energy gap in ZnS by Mn/Cu addition promote these materials for nano-electronic applications. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of Mn/Cr-Zn-S bondings. The substitution of Mn /Cu provides an effective control over tuning of different emission colours which signifies their applications like light emitting diodes.