The effect of the concentration of the Mn2+ ions on the optical and magnetic properties of the ZnS:Fe2+(1%) nanowires

In this paper, the wurtzite-type Fe/Mn co-doped ZnS nanowires were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method at 180 °C without any surface-active agent. The results showed that both the Fe2+ and Mn2+ ions were incorporated into the ZnS host and the maximum concentration of the Mn2+ ions in the ZnS:Fe2+(1%) nanowires was 5.1%. After adding Mn2+ ions into the ZnS:Fe2+(1%) nanowires, the emission peak centered at 2.14 eV corresponding to the Mn2+4T1–6A1 transition can be observed. As the Mn2+ doped ratio increased, the concentration quenching effect can be observed. The ferromagnetism property of the ZnS:Fe2+Mn2+ nanowires was observed around room temperature, which became weaker as the Mn2+ doped ratio increased.

► The Fe/Mn codoped wurtzite ZnS nanowires were synthesized at 180 °C. ► The maximum concentration of Mn2+ in the ZnS:Fe2+ (1%) nanowires was 10%. ► Room temperature ferromagnetism of the samples were investigated.