Photoluminescence and photoconductivity of ZnS:Mn2+ nanoparticles synthesized via co-precipitation method

Mn2+ doped ZnS nanoparticles are characterized using UV-vis, photoluminescence and photoconductivity studies. The size of Mn2+ doped ZnS NPs is estimated to be 2-4 nm by X-ray diffraction. UV-vis spectra show a blue shift in absorption edge as compared to bulk counterpart. Photoluminescence spectra indicate that orange luminescence varies with Mn2+ concentration. The Mn2+ doped ZnS nanoparticles are found to be photosensitive. The doping of Mn2+ ions improves the photosensitivity of the ZnS nanoparticles system. The time-resolved rise and decay of photocurrent indicate anomalous behavior during steady state illumination. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.