Photoluminescence properties of Mn-doped ZnxCd1−xS nanocrystals synthesized via nucleation-doping strategy

► Optical properties of Mn-doped ZnxCd1−xS NCs were studied. ►The NCs with PL QY up to 29% were synthesized based on MnS/ZnS/CdS structure. ► The composition was controlled by growing various thicknesses CdS layer. ► The PL band of NCs was composed by the emissions of Mn2+ ions and defect states.