Optical, structural, morphological and photocatalytic characters of Mn-doped Cd0.9Zn0.1S quantum dots

The Cd0.9Zn0.1MnxS (Mn = 0–4 %) QDs were synthesised using the co-precipitation route, and their structural, morphological, optical, and photocatalytic natures were investigated. The XRD studies confirmed the cubic nature of Zn and Mn-doped CdS without the formation of a secondary phase. The fine-tuning of size and lattice parameters was explored by Mn levels and the defects associated with Mn2+. The optical properties and band gap of Cd0.9Zn0.1S are tuned well by the incorporation of Mn2+ ions. Cd–Zn–S and Cd–Zn–Mn–S bondings were confirmed by FTIR studies. The high-intense PL emissions (blue, green and yellow) at Mn 2%-doped Cd0.9Zn0.1S were described by the weakening of size and the Mn-based defects. Zn and Mn dual-doped CdS are recommended as potential photocatalysts for the exclusion of dyes and this is confirmed using methylene blue. The enhanced catalytic action in Zn and Mn-added CdS is caused by the release of charge carriers and the creation of defects, which demonstrated better efficiency after six re-cycling processes.