Emission properties of Mn doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared by mechanochemical processing

► Zn1-xMnxO nanoparticles were prepared by mechanochemical processing. ► High blue emission intensity was observed contrary to previous reports. ► Blue emission is suggested to be originating from the high density of defects. ► Defect density in as-milled condition is very high resulting in high emission. ► Mn promoted non-radiative recombination and lowered intensities.