Shell-enhanced photoluminescence and ferromagnetism of Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core–shell nanostructure

•Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core–shell nanostructures are prepared by thermal decomposing ZnCoS(en)0.5 precursor.•Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core–shell nanostructures integrate outstanding visible photoluminescence and room-temperature ferromagnetism into one nanomaterial.•Introduction of abundant defects can enhance ferromagnetism and photoluminescence.

Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core–shell nanostructure, which consists of single-crystalline Co:ZnS core and polycrystalline Co:ZnO shell, has been synthesized via thermal decomposition of Zn0.97Co0.03S(en)0.5 precursor. The Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core–shell nanostructure integrates outstanding visible photoluminescence and room-temperature ferromagnetism into one nanomaterial. Compared to Co:ZnS nanorods, the photoluminescence and ferromagnetism of the Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core–shell nanostructures are significantly improved due to the introduction of large amount of interfacial defects by forming Co:ZnO shell.

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