Fabrication of ZnO Coated ZnS:Mn²⁺ nanoparticles

The fabrication of ZnO coated ZnS:Mn²⁺ nanoparticles were achieved using simple methods. ZnS:Mn²⁺ nanoparticles were prepared by a mechanical milling method. Coating of ZnO was then performed using a simple chemical method. Structural properties were evaluated by the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Optical properties of the ZnO coated ZnS:Mn²⁺ nanoparticle were characterized by exciting the particle included solvent using an UV-LED (400 nm). Bright orange color fluorescence was observed, and the fluorescence intensity of ZnO coated ZnS:Mn²⁺ nanoparticles was enhanced as compared to uncoated ZnS:Mn²⁺ nanoparticles. The capping of the core surface has probably terminated surface defects of ZnS:Mn²⁺ nanoparticles, and resulted in the improved fluorescence intensity.