Defect persuade paramagnetic properties of nickel doped ZnS nanocrystals and identification of structural, optical, local atomic structure

We have methodically investigated the structural, spectroscopic, local atomic structure and magnetic properties of aquatic $${\text{Zn}}_{{1{\mathbf{ - }}x}} {\text{Ni}}_{x} {\text{S}}$$ (0 ≤ x 0.04) nanocrystals. The structural study synthesized samples is observed by X-ray diffraction data with Rietveld refinement. Proficient decrease lattice parameters inter-planar spacing are determined on nanocrystalline microstructure identified high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. sphalerite morphology doped scanning Shrinkage energy band gap for Defect formation due to doping Ni ion photoluminescence spectroscopy cyan color emission. absorption employed identification structures surrounding Zn sites Extended fine investigation evidenced existence nanocluster within near edge studies confirmed incorporation Ni2+ in ZnS single pre-edge feature at K-edge not relying concentration dopant presence interstitial significant fraction Ni–Ni scattering paths samples. nanocrystals exhibit defect persuaded paramagnetism room temperature.