Optical, Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization of ZnS Nanocrystals Embedded in KBr Single Crystal Matrix Grown by Czochralski Method

Abstract

ZnS nanocrystals were embedded in a KBr single crystal matrix using the Czochralski growth technique. The X-ray diffraction, FT-IR and optical spectroscopy revealed the incorporation of ZnS nanocrystals. A blue shift of the absorption edge of the obtained samples has been observed, indicating the quantum confinement effect. The optical band-gap is estimated to be about 4.67 eV. Two excitonic peaks appeared at 300.4 nm and 271 nm. The average nanocrystal size was derived from the optical spectra. Annealing led to a shift in the absorption edge towards longer wavelengths and an increasing of the emissions intensity. Raman lines of the nanoparticles are broader and frequency-shifted compared to those of the bulk crystals. These results show that KBr is a good matrix-host of ZnS nanocrystals, and that the elaborated samples can be used for important technological applications.