Enhanced Mn2+ emission in ZnS:Mn nanoparticles by surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles

Abstract

The Mn2+ emission of ZnS:Mn nanoparticles was enhanced by a simple procedure. 3-Mercaptopropionic acid was used as a complexing agent in the synthesis of ZnS:Mn nanoparticles. Sulfydryl groups of 3-mercaptopropionic acid acted as bridging groups, to form composites of ZnS:Mn and Au nanoparticles. The peak wavelength of Au surface plasmons was red-shifted by 5 nm upon compositing. The intensity of Mn2+ emission at 590 nm because of the 4T1-6A1 transition was enhanced by 469% from the effects of the surface plasmon resonance. The enhancement was greatly influenced by the ratio of ZnS:Mn and Au. Enhancement was primarily attributed to localized surface plasmon resonance on the Au nanoparticle surface.