Microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis and optoelectronic properties of γ-MnS nanoparticles

Manganese sulfide (MnS) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a solvothermal-microwave method to evaluate the effect of growth temperature on their structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties. The obtained MnS NPs were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, photoluminescence, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and electrical measurements. The XRD patterns and EDX spectra confirmed the formation of MnS and the existence of the desired elements, respectively. The electron microscopy images unraveled that the obtained nanostructures are consisted of adherent spherical particles. It was observed that optical band gap energy increases and relative absorbance intensity decreases by increasing the growth temperature. Finally, the J–V and Mott–Schottky plots confirmed the p-type conductivity of the MnS NPs and the photocurrent measurements demonstrated that the increase of synthesis temperature can enhance the current density and photoresponse of the NPs.