An overview of structural, optical, and magnetic properties of Mn-doped, Cu-doped, and (Mn, Cu)-codoped ZnS nanoparticles and its applications

Zinc Sulphide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs) are highly valued for their exceptional optical and magnetic properties, making them critical for applications in sensors, spintronics, and optoelectronic devices. This study explores the effects of Mn, Cu, and (Mn, Cu)-codoping on ZnS NPs prepared through wet chemical synthesis. It examines the variation of dopant concentrations that influence key characteristics such as crystalline size, band gap, and magnetic properties. The results show that Mn-doping widens the band gap from 3.32 eV to 4.51 eV, while Cu-doping further increases it from 2.97 eV to 4.99 eV, attributed to quantum confinement and the Burstein-Moss effect. Magnetically, pure and Cu-doped ZnS display ferromagnetism, whereas (Mn, Cu)-codoping leads to diminished ferromagnetic behavior due to reduced d 0 magnetization. These improvements in band gap and magnetic properties highlight the potential of doped ZnS NPs for cutting-edge technological advancements. • Synthesis of transition metal-doped ZnS by various techniques is discussed. • To understand the physical properties of TM-doped ZnS nanoparticles. • Tuning of band gap by double transition metal doping in ZnS. • Defects play a major role in developing magnetic behavior in host semiconductors. • Various applications of TM-doped ZnS are studied.