Enhanced cathodoluminescence from ZnS based phosphors with self-assembled ZnO nano-structures

►Attaching ZnO nanostructures to specific structure of ZnS based phosphor were studied. ►Isolated and self-assembled growth of the ZnO on wurtsite ZnS phosphors was observed. ►CL spectra from the ZnO/ZC indicate abnormal enhancement of blue CL emission at 440 nm.►The ZnO on ZnS based phosphor appears to cause a secondary excitation of the phosphor core.