Effect of chemical reaction mechanism on the formation of ZnS colloid particles with structure disordering

ZnS colloid particles were obtained in wide pH range by using different sulfide-generating precursors, namely, thiourea (NH2)(2)CS, thioacetamide CH3C(S)NH2, sodium thiosulfate Na2S2O3 and sodium sulfide Na2S. Using different types of chemical precipitation technique made it possible to form ZnS nanoparticles with different crystal structure. The influence of pH value of aqueous solutions was shown to play a crucial role in ZnS structure disordering. The structure characterization of the final products was accomplished through X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. ZnS was formed in the colloidal/nanocrystalline state regardless of the sulfur agent.