Photoluminescence and photocatalytic studies of metal ions (Mn and Ni) doped ZnS nanoparticles

• Mn and Ni doped ZnS nanoparticles have been synthesized by chemical precipitation route.
• Both the dopant ions i.e. Ni and Mn have decreased the photocatalytic activity of ZnS.
• This observation has been explained by photoluminescence results.
• Increase in photocatalytic reaction temperature has enhanced the photocatalytic activity.

The present study deals with the structural, optical and photocatalytic studies of thioglycerol capped doped ZnS nanoparticles (NPs). Effect of two dopant metal ions (Ni and Mn) on photoluminescence emission and photocatalytic properties have been studied in detail. Zn1−xMxS; M = Ni or Mn; x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04 NPs have been synthesized using simple chemical precipitation route. Structural and morphological studies have been done by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Capping of thioglycerol on the surface of doped ZnS has been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies. UV–Vis and photoluminescence studies have been carried out to study the effect of doping on optical properties of synthesized materials. Degradation of crystal violet has been carried out with the aim to investigate the effect of Ni or Mn doping on photocatalytic activity of ZnS. It has been observed that both the metal ions have decreased the photocatalytic activity of ZnS. The effect of photocatalytic reaction temperature on photocatalytic properties of one of the doped sample has also been investigated. It has been interpreted from the results that photocatalytic activity of doped semiconductor nanostructures is strongly dependant on their photoluminescence properties as well as on photocatalytic reaction temperature.