Novel one-dimensional (1D) Mn2+ doped ZnS (ZnS: Mn) nanowires (NWs) with an interesting optical performance profile were reported in this work. Specifically, these 1D nanostructures coupled (i) ZnS defect-related self-activated blue-emission spanning from wavelengths of 400 nm to 500 nm with (ii) Mn2+ dopant-induced orange-emission centered at ~580 nm. These doped ZnS nanostructures were initially fabricated for the first time via a template-based co-precipitation approach followed by an inert atmosphere post-synthesis annealing process. Afterwards, we formed novel 1D - zero-dimensional (0D) heterostructures incorporating ZnS: Mn NWs and AET (2-amino-ethanethiol) - coated CdSe quantum dots (QDs) by anchoring the QDs onto the surfaces of ZnS: Mn NWs via the AET linker in a process involving both physical sonication and stirring. A series of optical measurements on our heterostructures was consistent with the idea of charge (hole) and energy transfer-induced quenching of ZnS self-activated emission coupled with hole transfer-related quenching of Mn2+emission by the QDs. The CdSe QD emission itself was impacted by competing charge (electron) and energy transfer processes occurring between the underlying ZnS host and the immobilized CdSe QDs. Chromaticity analysis emphasized the significance of controlling bothQD coverage density and Mn2+ dopant ratios in predictably influencing the observed color of our all-inorganic heterostructures. For example, white-light emitting behavior could be tuned systematically by varying (i) the Mn2+ doping level and (ii) the molar compositional ratio of [ZnS: Mn2+]: [AET-capped CdSe QDs]). Moreover, using these independent chemical ‘knobs’, we have been able to reliably tune for a significant shift within our composites from a ‘cold-white’ (9604 K) to a ‘warm-white’ (4383 K) light emission.

Chemically tunable, all-inorganic-based novel 0D-1D heterostructures for white-light emitting applications

256th National Meeting (2018)

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