Facile synthesis and step by step enhancement of blue photoluminescence from Ag-doped ZnS quantum dots

► Significantly enhanced blue photoluminescence from ZnS:Ag+ quantum dots is presented. ► UV photolysis and polysulphide hydrothermal treatment enhanced the PL intensity to 250%. ► Presented results are different from those reported earlier for nano-ZnS:Ag+ system. ► Strong blue PL finds applications in displays, lighting, bio-medical sciences etc.