Synthesis of Mn-Doped ZnS Nanoparticles and Its Characterization

Abstract

ZnS powders doped with manganese (ZnS:Mn) was synthesized by the sol gel method. The structural and optical characteristics are studied using various techniques. Analysis with X-ray diffraction shows that cubic ZnS phase is formed with average crystallite sizes varying between 10 nm and 13 nm. There is no phase transformation due to Mn2+ doping. The formation of ZnS was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement. TEM images indicated the spherical shape of the nanoparticles. However, optical study has shown a strong reflectance in the visible range. The band gap (Eg) of ZnS:Mn is varied between 3.51 eV and 3.56 eV. The photoluminescence properties of ZnS:Mn nanopowders were studied.