Photoluminescence properties of Cu–Mn–In–S/ZnS core/shell quantum dots

•Colloidal Cu–Mn–In–S/ZnS core/shell QDs are synthesized.•Introduction of Mn2+ ions results in a PL quenching of CuInS2 QDs.•Cu–Mn–In–S/ZnS QDs exhibit thermally stable PL from 93 to 270 K.

The effect of Mn ions on the optical properties of Cu–Mn–In–S/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) was studied by steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. It was found that introduction of Mn ions into CuInS2/ZnS core/shell QDs resulted in a reduction of the PL intensity and lifetime. Further no significant PL quenching was observed in Cu–Mn–In–S/ZnS core/shell QDs while the PL intensity of CuInS2/ZnS core/shell QDs significantly decreased with increasing the temperature from 93 to 270 K. The recombination process of PL in Cu–Mn–In–S/ZnS core/shell QDs was discussed based on the change in PL intensity and lifetime.