Synthesis of doped ZnS nanoclusters within block copolymer nanoreactors

We have synthesized Mn-doped and Tb-doped ZnS nanoclusters within the micro phase-separated films of diblock copolymers containing carboxylic acid unit s on one of the blocks. The loading of metal ions can be monitored using in ductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The impurity ion con tent of the acid-containing microdomains can be controlled by varying the c oncentration of the aqueous metal salt solutions or the time of exposure of the films to the aqueous salt solution. The doped ZnS nanoclusters are for med by subsequently treating the ion-loaded films with H2S. The doped nanoc lusters are optically active and show emission characteristic of the impuri ty ions (manganese or terbium). The universal nanocluster synthesis scheme could in principle be used with various combinations of metal salts to yiel d many different doped semiconductor nanocluster species.