Growth of segmented ZnS nanocones induced by regular occurrence of twins structure

Segmented ZnS nanocones have been prepared at 1200 degrees C by thermal evaporation of zinc sulfide powders and catalyst metal tin. The as-synthesized products have been studied by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, selected-area electron diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Microstructure characterization indicates that the formation of segmented nanocones can be attributed to the effects of regular twins structure. Theoretical analysis reveals that the nonuniform cross sections of nanocones are related to the continuous change of Sn-ZnS liquid droplet's scale resulting from the supply of Sn atoms during the evaporation. According to microstructure characterization and dimension analysis, the potential formation mechanism of the segmented ZnS nanocones was discussed. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.