Effect of Cu and Mn doping on optical properties of ZnS:Cu,Mn nanoparticles synthesized by the hydrothermal technique

ZnS:Cu,Mn nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized with dopants of various concentrations using a hydrothermal method at 200°C for 12 h. The Cu and Mn co-doped ZnS NPs were formed in a cubic structure. A spherical morphology of about 8–15 nm in diameter is dependent on the Cu and Mn-doping concentrations. The photoluminescence emission intensity, light color, and optical bandgap adjusted by the doping content of Cu and Mn indicated Cu and Mn ions are well incorporated into the host lattice. Intense green emission was observed in the sample with 0.03% Cu and 0.06% Mn co-doped ZnS. This new material was effective for activating energy transfer between ions. The decay time is 25.90 ms.