Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of water-soluble Mn-doped ZnO(x)S(1-x) quantum dots

A non-cadmium and water-soluble Mn-doped ZnO(x)S(1-x) QDs was synthesized with denatured bovine serum albumin (dBSA) as stabilizer under nitrogen atmosphere, and the as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence (FL) emission spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electronmicroscopy (HRTEM) and Raman spectrum. XRD patterns indicate that the Mn-doped ZnO(x)S(1-x) QDs have a zinc-blende structure, and that manganese emerges in the form of divalent manganese (Mn(2+)) and trivalent manganese (Mn(3+)) (the intermediate of the reaction). The size of Mn-doped ZnO(x)S(1-x) QDs is about 3.2±0.7 nm according to HRTEM imaging. The FL spectra reveal that the Mn-doped ZnO(x)S(1-x) QDs have two distinct emission bands: the defect-related emission and the Mn(2+)-related emission, which exhibit a competing process. A good FL signal of the transition of Mn(2+) ((4)T(1)-(6)A(1)) is observed when the doping amounts are 1.0% and 20% respectively, and the as-prepared solutions are stable for more than 6 months at 4°C. This method has the advantages of good stability and environment-friendly stabilizer, for involving no heavy metal ions or toxic reagents.