Investigations on structural and optical properties of Zn1−xGdxS nanoparticles

► We report on the synthesis of Zn1−xGdxS nanoparticles in aqueous media through a facile and inexpensive synthetic process. ► Influence of Gd concentration on structural and optical properties has been investigated. ► XRD revealed that Zn1−xGdxS nanoparticles are cubic zincblende structure with an average particle size of 3-5 nm. ► Optical studies showed that incorporation of Gd into ZnS enhanced luminescence intensity with increasing Gd concentration.