Mn2+-doped ZnS nanoparticles with different Mn-doping concentrations stabil
ized by hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) have been synthesized in ethanolic so
lutions and coatings. Their optical and structural properties have been cha
racterized by means of UV-vis spectroscopy, luminescence spectroscopy, high
resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and small angle X-ray
scattering (SAXS). Solutions and coatings exhibit a strong luminescence at
590 nm when excited with UV light showing that Mn2+ is incorporated into th
e ZnS nanoparticles. The highest luminescence intensity is obtained with an
Mn2+ concentration of 2 mol%. HRTEM and SAXS investigations show that the
particles are crystalline and are 3 +/- 0.5 nm in size. Irradiation of the
coatings with UV light leads to a photochemical oxidation of the particles,
as shown by the decreasing absorption of the coating with irradiation time
and a blue shift of the absorption maximum. Furthermore, the luminescence
intensity first strongly increases and then decreases completely with UV-ir
radiation time. Both phenomena can be explained by the photochemical oxidat
ion of the particles.