Hydrothermal synthesis and optical properties of full-color-emission ZnS:Cu, Al nanocrystals

ZnS:Cu, Al nanocrystals were synthesized by a hydrothermal method at 200 degrees C and their optical properties were studied. The analysis of XRD and TEM show that the spherical-like nanocrystals had a grain size of approximately 15 nm and were well dispersed, with a zinc blende structure. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and atomic absorption spectrometry were applied to the analysis of S, Zn and Cu content in the sample. The results proved that a large number of zinc vacancies exist and Cu is incorporated into the sample lattice. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra were investigated. The PL mechanism is discussed. The excitation spectrum is broad. Under 337 nm excitation the sample emits bright green light. Under 370-410 nm excitation the sample emits white light. The broad emission spectra are almost coincident with any excitation wavelength of between 370 and 410 nm making them attractive as conversion phosphors for LED applications and full-color fluorescence display devices. The emitted white light under 375 nm excitation was found to be the result of blue, green, and orange emission bands. For Cu/Zn, Cu/Al and S/Zn molar ratios of 3 x 10(-4), 2 and 3, respectively, the near blue white light can be observed with the naked eye in daylight.