Origin of the green photoluminescence from zinc sulfide nanobelts

ZnS nanobelts with a pure wurtzite phase have been synthesized by 4 thermal evaporation method with the assistance of H2S in an Ar atmosphere. Photoluminescence band centered at about 535 nm has been observed under excitation in the range of 250-480 nm with decay rate as short as 860 ps. The origin of this intense photoluminescence is related to elemental sulfur species on the surface of the ZnS nanobelts. This assignment is substantiated by structural analysis by high-resolution electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence and excitation technique. ZnS nanobelts with intense surface photoluminescence could be used as effective green light emitters, humid sensors, and UV light detectors. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.