Enhanced photoluminescence from CdS:Mn/ZnS core/shell quantum dots

Abstract

Enhanced photoluminescence (PL) is reported from Mn2+-doped CdS nanocrystals capped with ZnS (CdS:Mn/ZnS core/shell) that were prepared using a reverse micelle route. Compared to organically (n-dodecanethiol) capped CdS:Mn nanocrystals, CdS:Mn/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals exhibited much stronger and sharper Mn2+ 4T1–6A1 yellow PL emission. This is presumably the result of effective passivation of CdS surface states by the ZnS shell and consequent suppression of nonradiative recombination transitions. The core/shell nanostructure was confirmed using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy data.