ZnS:Mn/PF Nanoparticles : A Novel White-light-emitting Phosphor Material

A rare-earth free white light-emitting material is attained by synthesizing ZnXMn1-XS (ZnS:Mn) nanostructures caped with poly (9,9-di-n-hexylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PF). The photoluminescence spectrum of ZnS:Mn/PF nanocomposites shows a narrow band emission peaked at 440 nm and a broad band emission ranging from 500 nm to 650 nm under ultraviolet (UV)-light excitation. The blue light is attributed to the band emission of PF. The Orange-yellowish light is contributed to the T-4(1)-(6)A(1) transition of Mn2+ doped in the ZnS crystals. Additionally, the green light originates from the interfacial states formed between PF and ZnS: Mn. White light is then generated through the combination of the three lights, which can be tuned by manipulating the concentration of ZnS:Mn.