Structural, optical, electrochemical, and antibacterial features of ZnS nanoparticles: incorporation of Sn

Incorporation of Sn into ZnS nanoparticles was performed by simple co-precipitation method and was analyzed for various parameters by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-rays (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and electrochemical and antimicrobial studies. XRD results showed that there was no structural, geometrical alteration in Sn: ZnS and they remained in their cubic structure. Crystallite size was calculated using Debye–Scherrer method and it was ranged from 2 to 3 nm. UV–visible absorption intensity was increased for the increase of Sn concentration. Band-gap values were red shifted from that of the bulk ZnS value. The observed PL emission at 360 nm was due to transition of electrons from the shallow states near the conduction band to the sulfur vacancies present near the valence band in the ZnS lattice. Electrochemical analysis proved that the Sn = 4% composition showed a better electrical response. Since this composition of Sn had good electrical conductivity, the material can be useful to energy material applications. Antibacterial activity of Sn: ZnS nanoparticles was also discussed. A better antibacterial behavior was exhibited by 6% Sn-incorporated sample and this composition may be useful for biological applications.