Synthesis and Properties of Eu and Ni Co-Doped ZnS Nanoparticles for the Detection of Ammonia Gas

Abstract

Zinc sulfide nanoparticles were synthesized successfully via chemical co-precipitation, both in undoped form and co-doped with Europium (Eu) and Nickel (Ni). All prepared samples exhibited cubic blended structure as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average particle size ranged from 3 to 6 nm for both pure and (Eu, Ni) co-doped ZnS, with no alteration in the crystal structure due to Eu and Ni co-doping. However, increasing the Ni dopant concentration (0, 2, 4, & 6 at. %) while maintaining a constant Eu concentration (4 at. %) led to an enhancement in the crystallite size. This was further validated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which showed particle sizes consistent with the XRD findings (3-5 nm). Microscopic analysis via scanning electron microscopy and TEM revealed spherical agglomerated morphology for the (Eu, Ni) co-doped nanoparticles. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectra confirmed the stoichiometric chemical composition of ZnS: Eu, Ni. Photoluminescence studies demonstrated an increased intensity of green luminescence at 6 at.% Ni co-dopant concentration. Moreover, the synthesized samples exhibited promising gas sensing properties, particularly towards ammonia gas, with good selectivity. Notably, both pure and (Eu, Ni) co-doped ZnS nanoparticles showed rapid response and recovery times at room temperature, suggesting their potential applicability in gas sensing applications.

Facile Growth of Zinc Oxysulfide Nano Thin Film-based Visible Light Photosensor by Hydrothermal Method

“…29 Recently researchers attracted to the study of metal chalcogenidebased sensing devices including ultraviolet, visible light, infrared and gas sensors, etc. [30][31][32][33][34] An et al explored the study of ZnS-based selfpowered UV photosensors with high switching speed and fast response, they also investigated and compared the photoresponse parameters of various doped and composite materials with ZnS. 35 Buddha shows the evolution of ZnO-based photodetectors within conventional and modern-day scenarios.…”