Preparation and characterization of the nanoparticles of pure zinc sulfide (ZnS NPs) and doped with silver (ZnS:Ag NPs) by green method using ascorbic acid

Pure zinc sulfide nanoparticles and doped with silver (0.5,1,1.5,2.5, and 3.5) % wt. were prepared by green method. The structural properties were studied using X-ray diffraction technology(XRD). The diffraction patterns showed the particles were crystalline and had a zinc-blend structure with different average grain size. The surface topography was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), it was found the shape is spherical and had different nanosized. Chemical purity was studied using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy(EDX), the results showed the appearance of basic elements (Zn, S) and silver. The results of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR) showed functional groups belonging to ascorbic acid, zinc, and sulfur. The topography and surface roughness were studied using an Atomic Force Microscope, it was found the particles have spherical shapes, roughness values, and various average grain sizes. The optical properties were studied using ultraviolet -visible light spectroscopy (UV-Vis), where the absorption spectrum showed strong distortions towards the ultraviolet region and a large value of optical energy gap compared with raw material.