Synthesis and properties of Ni/ZnS magnetic luminescent bifunctional nanocomposites

Ni/ZnS core/shell nanocomposites with both magnetic and luminescent properties were prepared via a two-step approach with an initial synthesis of Ni nanoparticles and then as templates for the deposition of ZnS nanoparticles. The structure and properties of as-synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, VSM and PL. Studies indicate that typical nanocomposites consist of Ni (core) with 80–130 nm diameter and adjacent ZnS (shell) with a thickness of about 30–50 nm. The value of magnetization saturation of nanocomposites significantly decreases after coating with ZnS as a result of the nonmagnetic coating affecting. The emission spectrum of nanocomposites shows a small red shift as compared with that of pure ZnS. The possible reason for this phenomenon may be ascribed to the change of size, morphology and crystallinity of ZnS sample after coating.