Facile synthesis and magnetic properties of manganese doped ZnS nanorods

The synthesis of both Mn(II) doped and undoped ZnS nanorods were carried out using a simple soft-chemical route using mercaptoethanol as capping agent. Their morphological, structural and magnetic properties are presented. The crystal structures of the as obtained products were investigated through X-ray diffraction study reveals the formation of hexagonal wurtzite structure. The growth of the nanorods is achieved by careful control over the precursor addition, temperature and time duration. The nanorods are single crystalline and the diameter of the rods was found to vary in the range of 20–50 nm. Vibrating sample magnetometer measurements at room temperature show paramagnetic behavior for the doped nanorods.

► Surfactant-free Mn doped ZnS nanorods are synthesized by simple sol–gel process.
► Mercaptoethanol is used as a capping agent to avoid agglomeration.
► Growth controlling parameters – precursor addition, temperature and time duration.
► Mn doped ZnS nanorods are single crystalline and are found to be 20–50 nm in diameter.
► Magnetic measurements shows that Mn doped ZnS nanorods are paramagnetic in nature.