Structure and photoluminescence of ZnS/CdS1-xSex nanocomposite prepared by a two-step process

ZnS/CdS1-xSex nancomposite has been obtained by a two-step process. Namely CdS1-xSex nanoparticles are prepared by one-pot hydrothermal method; then the CdS1-xSex is dispersed in Zn(NH3)(4)(2+) solution, and dropping with Na2S solution, resulting in the ZnS/CdS1-xSex shell/core nanocomposite. Various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), and photoluminescence (PL) are used to characterize the structure, composition, sizes, and luminescent property of the ZnS/CdS1-xSex nancomposite. Results reveal that the ZnS/CdS1-xSex nanocomposite consists of cubic ZnS shell and hexagonal CdS1-xSex core, and exhibits thermally decomposing behavior of shell/core structure. Moreover, the sizes of the ZnS/CdS1-xSex nanocomposite are about 10-15 nm. Further a strong broad emission ranging from red to blue light presents in the PL spectrum of the ZnS/CdS1-xSex nanocomposite. This broad emission makes the ZnS/CdS1-xSex nanocomposite potential application in full color or white light fields.