Synthesis and structural and optical characterization of Mn2+ doped cadmium sulphide nanoparticles stabilized in DETA matrix

Mn2+ doped cadmium sulphide nanoparticles were prepared with different pH values by chemical precipitation method, at room temperature. Diethylene triamine (DETA) was used as stabilizing agent to control the particle size and prevent agglomeration. The samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) studies. The average size of the Mn2+ doped cadmium sulphide nanoparticles, exhibits both cubic and hexagonal structure, calculated from Debye–Scherrer formula was of the order of 2–6 nm. The above value of the particle size was confirmed by using Williamson–Hall plot as well as Henglein’s formula. X-ray peak broadening analysis was done using Williamson–Hall plot. The HRSEM images showed the formation of nanoclusters and EDAX spectra confirms the presence of cadmium, sulphide and manganese elements in the sample. The DRS UV–vis spectra of the samples show blue shift, revealing the strong quantum confinement effect of nanoparticles. The formation of DETA capped Mn2+ doped CdS nanoparticles were confirmed by FTIR analysis. The synthesized samples show photoluminescence emission, ranging from 400 to 600 nm, in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

► Cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanoparticles doped with Mn2+ ions were successfully synthesized by chemical precipitation method at room temperature.
► Diethylene triamine matrix was found to be a suitable surfactant to keep the particle size stable.
► The optical properties of CdS nanoparticles doped with Mn2+ ions were found to be increased on varying the pH values.