Ripening effects in ZnS nanoparticle growth

The growth of ZnS nanoparticles during precipitation from aqueous solution is studied by in situ stopped-flow UV absorption spectroscopy at temperatures between 283 and 323 K. Particle growth is marked by substantial ripening during the first 60 ms. Kinetic data suggest that a ripening mechanism by coalescence. (oriented attachment) is predominant over Ostwald ripening, although the latter seems to coexist to a significant degree at early temporal stages, predominantly at low temperatures.