Tailoring nanocrystallite ZnS through Fe doping

This study investigates the controlled tuning of structural, optical, and magnetic properties of zinc sulfide nanoparticles (NPs) through Fe doping to develop diluted magnetic semiconductors. Pristine and Fe-doped ZnS NPs were synthesized via a Sol–gel route by varying Fe/Zn ratios. XRD confirmed the retention of the zinc blende phase without secondary impurities, indicating successful Fe substitution. Microstructural analyses revealed polycrystalline NPs with increasing crystallite size while SEM–EDS verified Fe incorporation. Optical studies showed a slight band gap narrowing due to defect-induced states. Magnetic characterization revealed a transition from diamagnetism in pristine ZnS to mixed magnetic behavior upon Fe doping. The highest Fe-doped sample exhibited ferromagnetism, superparamagnetism, and a λ-like feature in temperature-dependent magnetization, confirming spin-glass behavior, along with an increased Curie temperature. Thus, Fe doping effectively tailors the optical and magnetic responses of ZnS, underscoring its potential for spintronic and multifunctional nanodevice applications.