Novel ultra-wideband fluorescence material: Defect state control based on nickel-doped semiconductor QDs embedded in inorganic glasses

In recent years, the development of an environmentally friendly quantum dots (QDs) embedded luminous solid by a simple method has attracted considerable attention. In this study, semiconductor ZnS QDs were successfully prepared in an inorganic matrix of amorphous glass, which yielded beneficial broad-band emission in the long-wavelength region of the visible range. The strong red emission belonged to the defect state energy level of the ZnS QDs, which could be enhanced by incorporation of nickel ions into the fixed matrix to regulate the defects state. The novel material had a small self-absorption, wide excitation and emission ranges, and thus potential applications in light-conversion devices, luminescent solar concentrators, and solar cell cover glasses. [Display omitted] •ZnS QDs were successfully prepared in an inorganic glass with broad-band red emission.•The red emission owing to the defect states can be enhanced by incorporation of nickel ions.•The novel material had a small self-absorption, wide excitation and emission ranges.•Rich structural and spectral data are presented with the analyzed energy transfer processes.