Structural and optical properties of monodispersed ZnS/CdS/ZnO and ZnO/ZnS/CdS nanoparticles

► High quality and mixture phased ZnS/CdS/ZnO and ZnO/ZnS/CdS nanocomposites were successfully synthesized in an air atmosphere at 80 °C. ► PL spectra of the uncoated ZnS, CdS and ZnO nanoparticles were modified as a single peak and tuned in the visible region by the multiple coating processes. ► Enhanced PL emission was observed in nanocomposites by complete removal of the surface defect.