Synthesis and characterization of PVP-encapsulated ZnS nanoparticles

We report a simple soft chemical method for the synthesis of PVP-encapsulated ZnS nanoparticles and examine the optical properties of these ZnS nanoparticles with varying ageing time at the reaction temperature, concentrations of PVP and S2− ions. The observed photoluminescence peak of PVP capped ZnS nanoparticles at 407 nm, markedly blue shifted relative to that of the bulk ZnS, clearly indicates the strong quantum size effect. A mechanism for the formation of PVP encapsulated ZnS nanoclusters under varying PVP/Zn2+ mole ratio has also been suggested.