This study examined the effects of surface-passivation on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of ZnS:Mn nanoparticles treated by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation with oxygen bubbling. Compared to the pristine Mn-doped zinc-sulfide nanocrystals (quantum efficiency: similar to 16%), the UV-irradiated ZnS:Mn showed significantly enhanced luminescence properties (quantum efficiency: similar to 35%). The photoinduced surface passivation was characterized by x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-resolved PL. The optimum thickness of the passivation layer for the quantum efficiency was examined considering the nanocrystal size, local strain, and radiative/nonradiative recombination rates. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3431267]