Monodispersed synthesis of hierarchical wurtzite ZnS nanostructures and its functional properties

Wurtzite type ZnS with flower-like hierarchical morphology has been synthesised at low temperature by wet chemical route using L-threonine as a surface modifying and morphology directing agent. X-ray diffraction studies indicate the formation of wurtzite crystal structure of ZnS. Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicates the self-assembly of small ZnS nanoparticles of size 5-8 nm to form flower like nanostructures of diameter 300 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirms the presence of L-threonine. Optical absorption studies reveal the presence of coupling effect in addition to the quantum confinement effect in these hierarchical nanostructures. Photoluminescence spectrum on deconvolution exhibits two Gaussian peaks centred at 486 nm and 554 nm indicating the presence of defects. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.