Enhanced luminescence of Ni3S4:Co nanoparticles with fast nanosecond lifetimes

Abstract

Ni₃S₄ and Ni₃S₄:Co nanoparticles are successfully synthesized by a diffusion control synergistic trapped dopant method. The photoluminescence peak of Ni₃S₄ can be enhanced clearly owing to Co atom doping, which implies that the doped Co atoms can effectively adjust the fluorescence performance of Ni₃S₄ nanoparticles. Moreover, the photoluminescence (PL) peak intensity of Ni₃S₄:Co nanoparticles increases first and then decreases with the increase of Co atom doping content. The lifetime values of Ni₃S₄:Co are significantly shorter than those of pure Ni₃S₄, measuring less than 1 ns. The presence of Co atom doping can reduce the band gap of Ni₃S₄ and improve the electrical conductivity of the materials, thus favoring electron transition. Additionally, the enhanced orbit coupling effect of S, Ni and Co atoms is also beneficial to improve the luminescence of Ni₃S₄:Co materials.