Raman scattering and photoluminescence of zinc telluride nanopowders at room temperature

► ZnTe nanopowders were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. ► Raman scattering and photoluminescence of ZnTe nanopowders were studied. ► Resonant Raman scattering is generated for the ZnTe particles of below 100 nm. ► Nanopowders generate the emissions at about 555, 578, and 701 nm at room temperature.