Cu-doped CdS and ZnS nanocrystals grown onto thiolated silica-gel

Abstract CdS and ZnS nanocrystals were grown over specific binding sites onto a thiolated silica-gel aiming to favor defect emission processes. This strategy was found to be effective in yielding ZnS nanocrystals with simultaneous blue and blue–green emissions owing to different types of defects. The effects of doping with copper ions have been observed on the photoluminescence properties. The intensity of defect-related emissions from both semiconductor nanocrystals increased with increasing dopant concentration from 0.25% to 1.5% copper, consistent with the presence of sulfur vacancies. Higher dopant concentrations lead to concentration quenching.