Parametric optimisation of core–shell ZnS:Mn/ZnS nanoparticles prepared by ultrasound-controlled wet chemical route

Core–shell type manganese-doped zinc sulphide nanoparticles ZnS:Mn/ZnS, showing strong absorption of ultraviolet light in the 280–450 nm range and emitting orange-yellow light close to 600 nm, were synthesised for eventual deployment as wavelength down-shifters for solar cells. While most syntheses described in literature employed long reaction times and high reaction/annealing temperatures in excess of 100 °C, this work presents a facile low-temperature wet chemical route. Key synthesis parameters – including zinc to sulphur ratio, manganese doping percentage, reaction sequence and ultrasonication time – were optimised systematically to achieve optimum orange emission intensity. Nanoparticles with average size ~2.3 nm and showing bright orange emission under UV excitation were ultimately achieved. Various characterisation techniques, namely HRTEM, XRD, ICP, ESR, UV–visible absorption spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopy, were used to probe the nature of the sample.