Structural, optical and magnetic investigations on Fe-doped ZnS nanoparticles

Abstract

We have reported the structural, optical and magnetic properties induced in Fe-doped (Fe = 1, 5 and 10 %) ZnS nanoparticles, synthesized via low temperature chemical route. The elemental composition of Fe-doped ZnS nanoparticles has been confirmed using electron dispersive spectroscopy. The average crystallite size has been found ~10 nm. The wurtzite crystal structure of Fe-doped nanoparticles, confirmed using X-ray diffraction, indicate the lattice parameters, a = 3.84 Ǻ and, c = 6.25 Ǻ for undoped ZnS and, a = 3.75 Ǻ and, c = 6.14 Ǻ for 10 % Fe-doped ZnS nanoparticles. The band gap of the undoped and Fe-doped ZnS nanoparticles was found blue shifted as compared to the bulk counterpart. Blue shift in band gap further increases with increased Fe concentration in ZnS lattice. In photoluminescence (PL) spectra blue emission peak has been observed at 422 nm. The PL intensity has been found decreased with increased Fe doping. The magnetic studies as analyzed from M-H curves, obtained using vibrating sample magnetometer, indicated ferromagnetic behavior at 10 % Fe concentration, and weak ferromagnetic or paramagnetic like behavior at 5 % Fe concentration.