Shell-enhanced photoluminescence and ferromagnetism of Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core–shell nanostructure

Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core–shell nanostructure, which consists of single-crystalline Co:ZnS core and polycrystalline Co:ZnO shell, has been synthesized via thermal decomposition of Zn0.97Co0.03S(en)0.5 precursor. The Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core–shell nanostructure integrates outstanding visible photoluminescence and room-temperature ferromagnetism into one nanomaterial. Compared to Co:ZnS nanorods, the photoluminescence and ferromagnetism of the Co:ZnS/Co:ZnO core–shell nanostructures are significantly improved due to the introduction of large amount of interfacial defects by forming Co:ZnO shell.