Synthesis and inkjet printing of aqueous ZnS:Mn nanoparticles

• Published in: Journal of luminescence 2013-04, Vol.136, p.100-108
• Main Authors: Angelo, Peter D., Kronfli, Rosanna, Farnood, Ramin R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Dispersions; Exact sciences and technology; Filtration; Foils; Glass; Inkjet printing; Materials science; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanocrystals and nanoparticles; Nanoparticles; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Optical properties of low-dimensional, mesoscopic, and nanoscale materials and structures; Particle size; Photoluminescence; Physics; Stabilizers (agents); Synthesis
• ISSN: 0022-2313; 1872-7883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2012.10.043

Nanoparticles of ZnS doped with Mn, a common photo- and electro-luminescent species, were synthesized in water using a competitive precipitation method. Particle size was controlled by selection of an appropriate stabilizer added during synthesis, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, which also rendered the particles water-dispersible after synthesis and isolation. Primary particle size was ∼3nm, with small agglomerates of 10–20nm in size. The particles were stably dispersed into water at a loading of 2.5w/w%. This dispersion formed the basis for an aqueous inkjet ink, containing 1w/w% ZnS:Mn. The small particle size allowed the nanoparticles to be successfully delivered to several substrates without loss during filtration or jetting. Bright photoluminescence was observed in the printed patterns on some substrates (glass, photo-paper, foil, etc.) but was quenched on other substrates where the ink penetrated into the surface (uncoated paper). The small drop volume (10pL) allowed for reasonably high-resolution printed patterns to be deposited, albeit with significant surface roughness due to the “coffee-ring” effect. ► Highly monodisperse ZnS:Mn nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous solution. ► ZnS:Mn incorporated into a fluid with suitable properties for inkjet printing. ► Photoluminescence was bright on impermeable substrates but quenched on paper. ► Film smoothness was compromised by high solids loading, and high viscosity of ink.