Synthesis and optical properties of naturally occurring fluorescent mineral, ferroan sphalerite, inspired (Fe,Zn)S nanoparticles

Inspired by the naturally occurring fluorescent mineral, ferroan sphalerite, [(Fe,Zn)S] nanoparticles were synthesized by a three component reaction of [Fe(Mes)2]2 (Mes = mesityl or C6H2Me3-2,4,6), [Zn(Et)(ONep)(py)]2, and elemental S via both solution and solvothermal routes. The resultant nanoparticles are £3 nm and absorb at kmax = 281 nm emitting a bright blue color (kem ~400 nm).